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distance is required to achieve the desired forward lift speed of 25
km/h and take off. The DOBERMANN has been designed to easily and
efficiently inflate whilst providing exceptional directional stability without
pitching or hanging back behind the pilot.
Excessive amounts of energy are not required when taking off with the
Kougar, simply set the trimmers to the correct positions (see 2.7) and
gently lift the risers whilst gaining forward momentum. Taking off in nil
wind conditions is not a problem for the DOBERMANN.
3.6 LANDING
The new Reflex System Profile (RSP) with the trimmers closed almost
morphs the DOBERMANN into a free flight wing allowing a slow
approach speed and the flight to end with the perfect landing. Large areas
and long runs are no longer required. It must be remember that in nil wind
conditions the forward ground speed encountered may be significant and
during landing must be decreased by using the brakes and if necessary
by a longer run off as the pilot makes contact with the ground.
When landing in moderate wind conditions, the ground speed is reduced
so simple and progressive application of the brakes will be enough for a
perfect landing. Landing with open or half open trimmers is possible, but
it will be necessary to balance the application of the brakes to the position
of the trimmers and the forward ground speed being experienced. Of
course open trimmers and an increase in forward ground speed when
landing may require a larger landing area as opposed to when the
trimmers are closed.
The DOBERMANN very efficiently transforms forward speed into lift and
inherently allows a wide margin for error either with or without wind.
4. IN FLIGHT
It is important to stress that the reaction to the manoeuvres is different in
each wing size, and even the reactions and solutions to each manoeuvre
are different on the same size wing when the overall loading (i.e. Pilot/
harness Weight/ wing load).
Having known the aforementioned facts, pilots will be able to face
different situations more appropriately. The greater the wing loading, the
lesser the incidence rate; but the glider will react more abruptly.
In terms of piloting the wing, the main toggles are more flexible and
progressive, enabling for better glider control without excessive effort.
An additional toggle system, connected to the stabilizer, improves glider
management during accelerated flights and turns.
The DOBERMANN can be steered with the trims opened while keeping
the profile stable. In other words; maintaining a high wing internal
pressure with extraordinary leading edge rigidity at high speed. The
glider turns without losing its handling flexibility nor its stable flight
characteristics.
4.1 FLYING IN TURBULENCE
The DOBERMANN comfortably absorbs moderate turbulence in either
normal or accelerated flight, minimising any bouncing effect which is
often experienced with other reflex profiles.
Over handling
Most flying incidents are caused by incorrect actions of the pilot, which
chained one after another creates abnormal flying configurations (a
cascade of incidents). You must to remember that over handling the wing
will lead to critical levels of functioning. The DOBERMANN is designed
always to try to recover normal flight by itself, do not try to over handle it.
Generally speaking, the reactions of the wing, which follow over handling,
are neither due to the input made or the intensity, but the length of time
the pilot continues to over handle. You have to allow the profile to re-
establish normal flight speed after any type of handling.