Competition Velocity Flight Characteristics and Frequently Asked Questions Introduction Many of the general flight characteristics for the Competition Velocity are very similar to that of the Velocity. This document will discuss some of the differences between the Velocity and Competition Velocity. For information about the Velocity and general flight characteristics for the Competition Velocity we would suggest reviewing the PD Velocity Flight characteristics FIRST. The differences between these two canopies may be too subtle to be noticed by pilots new to the Velocity. But to the highly proficient Velocity pilot, these subtle differences, combined with proper training, practice and technique could make quite a difference in their competition performance. Immediately after the release of the Velocity in 1999, we continued our research on design technology with the goal of exceeding what we had accomplished with the Velocity. We thought “out of the box” on much of this research, changing stabilizers or eliminating them altogether, adding two to four cells, trying new bracing technology, new airfoils and planform shapes. Many of these changes did improve performance, and to put it mildly, some didn’t. The culmination of those last 10 years of research and development has brought us to the Competition Velocity. How is this wing different from the Velocity? You may notice little differences like your brake lines, low profile pilot chute attachment point, and reduced drag line attachments. But the real secrets of the performance differences between these two canopies are due to very subtle design changes that are not quite as noticeable. Though many people do this, laying a Velocity on top of a Competition Velocity will not really tell you much. There are still seven cross-­‐braced cells, the span and cord are similar, and there are same amount of lines. We designed both canopies to form a very specific shape when inflated that would perform the way we wanted. We were not that concerned with their uninflated two dimensional shape. Performance was the key. FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics What sizes are available for the Competition Velocity? •
Sizes range from 71-­‐111 sq. ft. 71, 75, 79, 84, 90, 96, 103, 111 The Competition Velocity is produced in sizes ranging from 71-­‐111 square feet (71, 75, 79, 84, 90, 96, 103, and 111). You can see that we’ve dropped the largest size and added a smaller one, compared to the standard Velocity sizes. We’ve done this based not only on canopy performance, but also on canopy sizing trends in competition swooping. Span and chord values can be found at the end of this document, or on the PD website. What type of slider can I get with my Competition Velocity? •
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Channel slider (default choice) Removable Deployment System (RDS) The Competition Velocity comes standard with a collapsible channel slider. This slider is designed for and provides excellent opening characteristics at terminal or sub-­‐terminal deployments. It is also available with a Removable Deployment System (RDS). The RDS is composed of two parts: a removable slider and a deployment system lanyard. You attach your bridal, bag, and pilot chute to this lanyard. Used properly, this system allows the user to remove the slider, deployment bag, and pilot chute from their functioning wing. This reduces parasitic drag, allows for greater mobility from the pilot, removes items that may block lines of sight, and allows the wing to perform in its most efficient shape. It will dive faster, longer, and retain that additional speed longer. The RDS is designed for sub-­‐terminal deployments only. If used, installed, or packed improperly, this system will increase the likelihood of malfunction during deployment, causing injury, damage to your parachute, line set and/or components. You may choose to use the removable slider without the rest of the system. Just detach the lanyard from the slider, and install your deployment system on the pilot chute attachment in a normal manner. The performance change will be reduced but so will the hassle factor after deployment. Both the RDS and channel slider have four small snaps installed. These are to be attached to snaps on the canopy, two on the center cell bottom surface leading edge and two on the stabilizers aft of the C line attachment. These snaps help keep the slider properly positioned during the initial stages of deployment, reducing the chances of the occasional hard opening. They don’t change the basic opening characteristics, but help to achieve more consistent openings. FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics What type of line is available on the Competition Velocity? •
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500/700 HMA 500/750 Vectran 300/500 Orange Vectran 500 Orange Vectran (OV), 500/700 HMA and 500/750 Vectran are available for this product. We understand that different pilots may have varying preferences between HMA and Vectran. We also understand that some prefer a thinner 500 line while others prefer a 700/750 size line for extended life and durability. With that in mind, we offer these different options. 300 Orange Vectran (OV) is also available for canopy piloting competitors interested in stretching their Competition Velocity to the limits of its abilities. This line carries a shorter life span than the other, larger line options for this product. It requires more frequent maintenance, more frequent relining, and carries additional risk involved with its use. Due to these characteristics, it is not recommended for general skydiving use. The user should understand these items BEFORE purchasing this option. 300 OV is available on new orders or relines done through the factory only. The line set is currently not available for purchase for installation outside the PD factory. What are the opening characteristics? The openings of the Competition Velocity are quite similar to the Velocity, with a bit more refinement. The amount of time to achieve a fully open canopy is somewhat the same. The amount this canopy “searches” or “shakes” during the snivel stages are quite reduced with the Competition Velocity. How does the Competition Velocity perform during full flight? If you fly your Competition Velocity around the sky, you will notice very little difference from your Velocity. All things being equal, you will find that your Competition Velocity flies a bit faster and is, in general, a more efficient wing than the Velocity. The real differences begin when you provide input. How does the Competition Velocity respond to toggle input? The Competition Velocity comes standard with three additional inches of brake to toggle line in comparison to a Velocity line set made of Vectran or 500 HMA. This takes into account the varied flying styles and different components used by today’s competition pilots. This may be useful if you’re performing freestyle moves where you may have your toggle in your hand and FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics away from your risers but tail deflection may not be desired. Given the same component set-­‐
up, you may also find the toggle stroke to be longer, and the stall point to be lower. The slow speed efficiency of the Competition Velocity also exceeds that of the Velocity. Alright, I’m ready to crank down on those front risers. What should I expect? The front riser dive characteristics are very similar to the Velocity. The Competition Velocity pressure is about the same, but the pressure builds a bit differently. On multiple rotations, you’ll probably be able to stay on risers a bit longer on a Competition Velocity before the riser pressure becomes intolerable. The additional brake line discussed in the paragraph above comes into play here as well. With the amount some competition pilots choose to pull down their front risers, this additional brake line decreases the potential for tail input during front riser dives. You will also find the recovery from a front riser dive to be longer than with a Velocity, given the use of certain techniques. How does the Competition Velocity respond to rear riser input? You will be pleasantly surprised with what the Competition Velocity offers with regard to rear riser performance. Techniques used during competition piloting vary greatly from one competitor to the next. Some push, some pull, some are aggressive and abrupt, while others are smooth and subtle. In each of these situations the canopy will provide different responses. Overall we can say we have made what we feel to be improvements to the way the wing responds to rear riser input for use in competition piloting and general swooping. Most pilots who have flown the canopy state that it feels more powerful on the rears. It also flies more efficiently on the rears, which means it may be a bit later before you feel the need to transfer to toggles. How often will I need to reline my Competition Velocity? This will depend on which line set you have chosen. •
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Shorter life span: Longer life span: Longest life span: 300 OV 500 HMA/Vectran/OV 700 HMA & 750 Vectran 300 Orange Vectran typically has a shorter life span than 500 HMA/Vectran/Orange Vectran. This line set will require frequent inspection. On canopies we have tested, and when used by our factory pilots, we generally found the need to replace these line sets after 150-­‐200 jumps. As we don’t see it as a line suitable for “every day skydiving,” the user should understand the FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics increased costs for maintenance, potential for malfunction, and shortened life span prior to selecting this line. For a longer life span, increased breaking strengths, and lower maintenance costs, some pilots may choose the 500 HMA/Vectran/OV options. The life span of these lines (as well as the 300 OV) can vary greatly with the care and conditions which the line is exposed to. Example: If you live in a dry, dusty area, pack outside in the dirt, are getting the line wet in the gummy pond frequently, and do not care for your RDS rings properly, or have rough spots on your brake line guide rings; you may find yourself relining your canopy at less than 100 jumps. On the other hand, if you live in a moderate climate, pack indoors on clean carpet, do not get the line wet, and maintain proper gear maintenance and smooth edges on components that are in contact with your line, you may enjoy a longer lifespan with your line set. 700 HMA and 750 Vectran are also viable and popular options for this canopy for those looking to maximize the life span of their line set. About suspension lines: If a line were to break during a skydive, it would historically be during the opening shock, but this is not necessarily the case today. Both the Velocity and Competition Velocity typically open very slowly and softly, to the extent that the lines are not highly stressed on the usual opening. The canopies can be flown in a manner that higher G-­‐
forces can be generated in flight than may be generated during a normal opening! There have been cases of very worn lines that survived an opening sequence but not the G-­‐forces during flight. Such in-­‐flight line failures have caused serious injuries to jumpers using several different line types and strengths. Replace the suspension lines before they become excessively worn. Be wise and keep your lines in good shape! What is the production time for a Competition Velocity? Production times for the Competition Velocity are comparable to that of a Velocity. These times are comparable to our other main canopies with one exception. The amount of labor involved in building a Competition Velocity or Velocity is quite greater than a traditional seven or nine cell canopy. This means that we only have the ability to build certain number of these canopies in our facility in a given week. Current production times can be found on our website at www.performancedesigns.com. Can I try one first, to see if I like it? YES! There are a few ways to “fly before you buy”: •
Visit http://www.performancedesigns.com/demo_sport.asp and fill out a demo request form. Our demo coordinator will get in touch with you to arrange a demo to be shipped directly to you (U.S. and E.U. only). FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics •
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You can visit our PD tour reps at an event. The PD tour program in the U.S., Europe, and abroad will be carrying the most popular sizes of the Competition Velocity for you to try. Find their schedule here: http://www.performancedesigns.com/pdzone/tour.asp Ask your Authorized PD Dealer to arrange a demo. Many of our dealers either own their own fleet of demo canopies, or regularly arrange demos with PD for their frequent customers. Will the Competition Velocity replace the Velocity? The Competition Velocity is for pilots looking for performance above and beyond their Velocity. The Velocity is also available for those skydivers looking for cross-­‐braced performance in a non-­‐
competition arena. Some people may choose to continue to fly the Velocity, but we believe that the Competition Velocity has better flight characteristics, openings, and landings. Ultimately, the skydiving community will decide if the Competition Velocity will replace the Velocity. For now, we’ll continue to offer both options in our product line. What size should I buy? THE RIGHT SIZE. This depends on a number of factors. If you are considering this canopy, you hopefully have many happy years in the sport and quite a number of jumps. Selection of your canopy size should come primarily from your experiences, skill level and smarts. Remember, we advise against decreasing more than one canopy size from what you are currently jumping, even for the most highly proficient canopy pilots. If you’re in the market for a Competition Velocity, calculating your exit weight and wing loading should be something you’re used to doing. If you are a competitive canopy pilot, you may have experimented with altering your exit weight using additional weight. The chart below shows our suggested maximum weight limits for the Competition Velocity. This chart is not designed to give you any sort of “optimal” wing loading for this canopy. Your optimal wing loading depends on a multitude of variables (including winds, elevation and experience). If you are a competitor, your optimal wing loading depends on what event you are practicing or competing in. The notion that this wing performs “best” at a specific wing loading is one person’s opinion. We recommend figuring out what works best for you. If you review the Competition Velocity wing loading chart in comparison to that of the Velocity, you will notice that some of the maximum weight limits for different categories are higher. Due to the intense focus our sport has placed on canopy piloting safety, these values represent weights at which a skilled pilot will be able to realistically perform. This is not an indication that the Competition Velocity is “safer”, performs better or is less likely to lead to catastrophic FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics outcomes due to poor decisions or pilot error. It also does not indicate that you should downsize “because the chart says so”. What it does mean is that, in the hands of a skilled pilot, the Competition Velocity will be capable of performing up to the weight limits listed below. We’re giving a broader window based on current canopy piloting skills and flying styles. You may find the increase in performance that you’re looking for by going to the same size Competition Velocity. But if you plan on downsizing and switching from a Velocity to a Competition Velocity, you’ll be in for a surprise. Carefully consider whether there are any benefits to taking on the risks involved in making such a transition. If you have further questions regarding the Competition Velocity, please contact Performance Designs or your Authorized Performance Designs Dealer. FC-­‐001 Rev. A VC Flight Characteristics