Negative 3D shaping

If you take a closer look at our latest paraglider models since the En-D 2-liner Meru, you will immediately notice another seam at the leading edge.

Exactly this is the negative 3D shaping developed by UP designer Franta Pavlousek. Here the cloth is cut and sewn concavley (instead of convexly as in traditional 3D shaping). This ensures that the paraglider (cloth) is under tension at the forefront of the leading edge. Especially in accelerated flight, in turbulent air and while gliding into wind this brings an enormous increase in performance, since the leading edge forms beautifully clean and without denting. In addition, this allows a safetyrelated construction of the wingtips and also saves weight! In order to prevent bulging at the leading edge either

- additional material e.g. by adding rods in the middle of the cell (more weight) would have to be used

or

- the wingtips would have to be made stiffer. Wingtips that are set slower and therefore under increased tension deteriorate the flight characteristics and also cause more vortex, which in turn would negatively affect the performance of the paraglider.

--> The negative 3D shaping is therefore the best solution to ensure  a clean leading edge!

At UP, we already rely on the safety and performance-providing design feature of negative 3D shaping for our EN-A wing Dena. The following paragliders have been equipped with it so far: Dena, Kibo2, Lhotse2, Kangri, Meru and Guru.

For further explanation please also have a look at our video! Have fun watching :)