finsterwalder-charly.de - Finsterwalder & Charly - Hanggliding and Paragliding Equipment since 1974

Charly DIAMONDcross - Superlight steerable cruciform canopy

The new DIAMONDcross ST from Charly presents three main innovations:

1. It has a defined forward speed in diagonal direction with the effect of a significantly reduced sink speed. This results on the one hand in a higher aspect ratio compared to conventional cruciform canopies, those propulsion mainly takes place towards one side, and on the other hand in the asymmetrical air flow of the convex sides of the DIAMONDcross canopy, thereby receiving an ascending forced optimised profile.
   
   
2. The horizontal movement which is typical for every modern round canopy and cruciform canopy, can be steered for the DIAMONDcross ST in a certain direction, if required. Obstacles like e.g. power lines can thus be avoided and an emergency landing field can be precisely approached with a glide ratio of ca. 1:1,5. There are no disadvantages for the DIAMONDcross ST compared with conventional cruciform canopies.
   
   
3. The DIAMONDcross has different line lengths which has the effect that the strips of the canopy don't lie on top of each other when packing the canopy. This diversification causes an easier air inlet when opening and thus an increased opening speed compared to conventional cruciform canopies. The packing of the DIAMONDcross is not more time-consuming or more complex than for a normal cruciform canopy.

The superlight DC thus combines the low packing effort of round- and cruciform canopies with the controllability of Rogallo rescue systems. For the DIAMONDcross, there is no risk of „downplane" directly after opening, which is the case for Rogallo rescue systems, also when flown too slow, if it opens with the top downwards.

The concept of the DIAMONDcross works without pre-brake and therefore the system remains very easy to handle and is reliable.

Further safety aspects:

• There are no potential hazards in consequence of the steer-ability:
The twisting of the lines, which often is unavoidable when using a controllable rescue system, doesn't cause any special risks. The DIAMONDcross can also be controlled in twisted condition. The red colour marking on the front head indicates clearly visible the flight direction for the pilot.
• No risks can arise by excessive pulling or by non-use of the brake handles. There is no risk of stall. A pulling of the brakes is not required when landing, as the canopy already is trimmed at minimum sink rate. The forward speed also reduces significantly the risk of spine compression during the landing.
• The long suspension lines of the DIAMONDcross and the symmetric shape of the canopy lower the risk of causing a collapse with the rescue system and the glider.
• Forward movement and low sink rate reduce in addition the risk of a side slip between the rescue system and the glider, and therefore higher sink rates.
• A short stall phase of the DIAMONDcross after opening prevents the formation of a „downplane"-position. The DIAMONDcross merges without the help of the pilot after a short independent stall phase in an easy, very stable and swing-free forward flight.
• The special design of the inner container, optimized with the help of Tom Grabner's G-Force trainer ensures a safe deployment of the DIAMONDcross with low effort needed. Especially with regard to inconvenient pulling directions when deploying the rescue system. Therefore we absolutely recommend to use the original approved container with the rescue system and to adapt the rescue handle of the harness to the container by an authorised service company.
• The inner container has a separate space for the suspension lines.
• The canopy will only be deployed after aspect ratio of the suspension lines, which enables a fast and controlled opening. The risk of a cravat of rescue system and glider is therefore reduced.
• The superlight, optional steerable cruciform canopy from Charly's product designer Tom Grabner has been registered for patent and certified in four sizes.

Do I have to disconnect my glider when opening the DIAMONDcross?

No.
Although if the pilot reacts in a passive way, the DIAMONDcross works perfectly.
The risk of a side slip is very low for a DIAMONDcross. Nevertheless, the glider should be disconnected – if possible – from all rescue systems, no matter whether they are steerable or not. The disconnection can be made by separating the glider from the carabiner, as in this case, an automatic separation system for speed system is absolutely essential. Further opportunities are quick-out carabiners or cutting off the main lines by means of a jack knife.
With the Finsterwalder Quick-Out carabiners, the disconnection is very simple.
As you can't make general statements about how the glider reacts after rescue deployment and every rescue system is always influenced by the residual resistance of the glider, a complete disconnection of the glider can only be an advantage – also if a disconnection is not absolutely necessary for the DIAMONDcross.

Modell	DC 100 ST	DC 125 ST	DC 160 ST
Max. load	100 kg	125 kg	160 kg
Surface	25,2 m²	30,7 m²	41,0 m²
Weight incl. inner container	1170 g*	1390 g*	1780 g*
Descent rate	4.7 m/s @ 100 kg 3.6 m/s @ 70 kg	4.5 m/s @ 125 kg 3.5 m/s @ 85 kg	4.5 m/s @ 160 kg 3.5 m/s @ 110 kg
Volume	3900 ccm	4700 ccm	5300 ccm
Certification	EN, LTF	EN, LTF	EN, LTF
Art.-N°.	HFa195/100	HFa195/125	HFa195/160
Price	870,00 €	930,00 €	1.070,00 €

Modell	DC 160 ST Tandem	DC 220 ST Tandem
Max. load	160 kg	220 kg
Surface	41,0 m²	59,2 m²
Weight incl. inner container	1850 g*	2520 g*
Descent rate	4.5 m/s @ 160 kg 3.5 m/s @ 110 kg	4.5 m/s @ 220 kg 3.5 m/s @ 160 kg
Volume	5300 ccm	7300 ccm
Certification	EN, LTF	EN, LTF
Art.-N°.	HFa195/160T	HFa195/220
Price	1.100,00 €	1.420,00 €

DIAMONDcross basic light

The non-steerable version of the DIAMONDcorss ST is about 90 gram easier and cheaper than the steerable version. All other features and technical data are identical with the DIAMONDcross ST. With a set of new risers you can subsequently modify the DIAMONDcross basic into a steerable system by the manufacturer or another authorized repair shop. The modification costs 140,- and includes re-packing.

Modell	DC 100 basic      light	DC 125 basic       light	DC 160 basic       light	DC 220 basic       Tandem light
Max. load	100 kg	125 kg	160 kg	220 kg
Surface	25,2 m²	30,7 m²	41,0 m²	59,2 m²
Weight incl. inner container	1140 g*	1350 g*	1750 g*	2460 g*
Descent rate	4.7 m/s @ 100 kg 3.6 m/s @ 70 kg	4.5 m/s @ 125 kg 3.5 m/s @ 85 kg	4.5 m/s @ 160 kg 3.5 m/s @ 110 kg	4.5 m/s @ 220 kg 3.5 m/s @ 160 kg
Volume	3900 ccm	4700 ccm	5300 ccm	7300 ccm
Certification	EN, LTF	EN, LTF	EN, LTF	EN, LTF
Art.-N°.	HFa195/100B	HFa195/125B	HFa195/160B	HFa195/220B
Price	850,00 €	910,00 €	1.045,00 €	1.400,00 €

DIAMONDcross Documents

• DIAMONDcross brochure
• DIAMONDcross ST manual and packing instruction
• DIAMONDcross HG manual and packing instruction
• Installation instructions Charly RISER COVER

Steuerbare Rettung

Beamer 3	Beamer 3 light

Charly Rettungsgeräte Packservice Schweiz

Rescue systems for hanggliders

Modell	DIAMONDcross delta light 125	DIAMONDcross delta light 160	DIAMONDcross delta light 220
Max. load:	125 kg	160 kg	220 kg
Flat surface:	30,7 m²	41,0 m²	59,2 m²
Weight:	1430 g*	1750 g*	2460 g*
Sink speed:	4.5 m/s @ 125 kg 3.5 m/s @ 85 kg	4.5 m/s @ 160 kg 3.5 m/s @ 110 kg	4.5 m/s @ 220 kg 3.5 m/s @ 160 kg
Volumetric value:	4700 ccm	5300 ccm	7300 ccm
Certification:	EN, LTF	EN, LTF	EN, LTF
Article number:	HFa195/125HG	HFa195/160HG	HFa195/220HG
Price incl. Rotor:	987,00 €	1.113,00 €	1.417,00 €
Preis without Rotor:	898,00 €	1.024,00 €	1.328,00 €

Documents

• DIAMONDcross delta light manual- and packing instruction

Charly round canopy rescue systems for hangglider

Hang-gliding-reserves

CHARLY hang gliding rescue systems:
Pionier and market leader since 1984

Even before it became mandatory for air sports pilots to carry a rescue parachute in 1986, CHARLY, thanks to its innovative strength, was already one of the leading suppliers of hang gliding and paragliding rescue systems.
Center line construction, double canopy technology, rocket deployment, steerable rescues – CHARLY has always been among the pioneers. With the TARGETcross, the first steerable cross canopy, another milestone in rescue system construction could be achieved.

With Tom Grabner, CHARLY was able to win a developer who combines extensive technical know-how from his many years as an aeronautical engineer with a unique wealth of practical experience. The extreme paragliding acro pilot tests his equipment under the toughest conditions. This enabled him to take rescue equipment development a decisive step further.

What you should pay attention to when selecting a hang gliding rescue system:

• Flat inner container shape

  All CHARLY rescues are equipped with the special Tom Grabner Design inner container, which facilitates and accelerates pulling the rescue out of the harness compartment significantly.
• Short connection between deployment handle and inner container

  The longer the connection, the more difficult it is to throw the inner container in a certain direction.
• Unobstructed opening

  The inner container should be designed in such a way that the canopy is only released after the lines have been fully stretched. The Tom Grabner Design inner container ensures this by a separate closure for the lines. The canopy is thus prevented from getting caught in the glider. Opening speed is only marginally affected.
• Opening speed

  After the lines have been fully stretched, the canopy should unfold as fast as possible. The decisive factor for a short opening time is the air intake at the canopy base, whereby cross canopies generally have an advantage over round canopies. However, despite a significantly increased production effort, the ideal solution in this regard is the specially fanned-out base of the TARGETcross which is achieved by different line lengths.
• Sink rate in relation to max. load according to the certification
  
It is important to know that in the certification process, sink rates are determined without the glider. However, sink rates may be higher due to interactions with the glider. The maximum permissible sink rate of 6,8 m/s already poses a considerable risk of injury. Therefore, canopies with a higher max. load are recommended.
• Oscillatory motion

  With the appropriate design, also round canopies can have good stability against oscillatory motion. Generally superior in this regard, however, are cross canopies with lateral drift, with those with defined lateral drift in one direction being the optimum (steerable rescues as well as all – also non-steerable – TARGETcross).
• Fabric quality

  Low weight and small packing dimensions with high max. loads and sufficient robustness are made possible by the use of ultra-fine woven fabrics. The weaving process of such fabrics is very complex, however, which makes them very expensive.

• The patented TARGETcross Delta Light is a cross canopy rescue system with diagonal drift and fanned out base. Its characteristics are fast deployment, minimal sink rates and almost no oscillatory motion. Available in sizes 125, 160 and 220.
• Ultra-fine woven fabric and high-strength Dyneema lines allow for minimal weight and packing size.
• The main riser is protected from damage by glider components by means of a Kevlar protective sleeve and is available with or without a built-in CHARLY Rotor swivel.
• The flat inner container has been optimized on Tom Grabner's G-Force Trainer. It makes it easy to pull the rescue out of the harness compartment and ensures unobstructed opening.

CHARLY HG

 Inexpensive center line rescue parachute, proven for many years and characterized by relatively low weight and small packing dimensions. Its functionality and reliability have been demonstrated by numerous documented deployments. Surface 36 m², max. load 125 kg. Main riser available with or without built-in CHARLY Rotor swivel.

CHARLY Rotor

Swivel for hang glider and UL rescue systems

n emergency situations, hang gliders and ultralights (UL) often get into rotating spins that can tangle the reserve. This is effectively prevented by the CHARLY Rotor. The main risers of modern hang glider and UL rescue systems are equipped with a swivel as standard. Installed by the rescue system manufacturer, the CHARLY rotor is DHV approved for all hang glider and UL rescues.

If your rescue parachute is not yet equipped with a rotor, we recommend having the rotor sewn into the main riser at the end of the suspension lines by the rescue parachute manufacturer. This is best done during the next pack inspection. If equipped with loops, the rotor can also be looped into the end of the main riser by the pilot.

The CHARLY rotor has three bearings and a breaking load of 50 kN at a weight of just 120 g.

Downloads:

Manual TARGETcross	Manual DIAMONDcross	Manual Charly round capped reserves

Paragliding-reserves

CHARLY rescue systems
from the pionees and market leader since 1984

More safety in emergency situations

With the Second Chance round canopy, CHARLY has developed the world's most-sold paraglider rescue system. Its small pack size and excellent value for money still make it a popular bestseller.

But CHARLY also has a number of innovations on offer. The TARGETcross cross canopy, for example, offers uncomplicated steerability and therefore more options in an emergency for all skill levels, and quick-release carabiners such as the Paralock make it easy to disconnect the paraglider in an emergency. 

Paragliding round canopy reserves The world’s most-sold round canopy with numerous documented emergency deployments		Paragliding cross canopy reserves The cross canopy with the plus of possibilities. In an emergency near the ground, you benefit from the rapid inflation of the canopy, while at higher altitudes you have the option of steering.

Things to consider when choosing a reserve system for your paraglider:

• Round canopy or cross canopy
  The cross canopy design has become popular for rescue parachutes due to its high opening speed and pendulum stability. The TARGETcross cross canopy, with its fanned out base, S-shaped canopy trim and diagonal horizontal drift, is an optimisation of this concept.
  Round canopies are usually less expensive and a little easier to pack.
• Steerability

  The ability to avoid power lines, rivers, rocks or roads and the freedom to choose where to land is an undeniable advantage. In the past, however, steerable reserves were only recommended for professional use. Especially for openings close to the ground, steerable reserves used to have more disadvantages than advantages. This was due to the fact that the common Rogallo steerable reserves were initially too small, or their construction was not yet fully developed, and their tendency to downplane and twist required pilot skill in certain situations.
  
Modern steerable Rogallo reserves have largely eliminated these disadvantages. With the TARGETcross ST, a steerable cross canopy is now available, which is also advantageous in near-ground emergencies where steerability is not an issue.
• Harness-reserve-combination
  
In many modern paraglider harnesses with container compartments, the deployment handle and the inner container of the rescue system are firmly connected. Due to the low weight and volume of CHARLY rescue systems, it is usually no problem to repack them into containers from other manufacturers. However, if the inner container can be attached to the deployment handle of the harness, we recommend to use the CHARLY standard flat inner container. This container, developed on the G-Force Trainer, is particularly easy to pull out of the harness.

  A special CHARLY inner container variant is available for use in front containers, in which the reserve can be repacked if necessary.
• Sink rate in relation to the permissible load as per certification

  After the lines have been fully stretched, the canopy should inflate as fast as possible. The decisive factor for a short opening time is the air intake at the canopy base, whereby cross canopies generally have an advantage over round canopies. However, the ideal solution in this regard is the specially fanned-out base of the TARGETcross which is achieved by different line lengths.
• Lightweight design
  During safety training, the use of the reserve parachute is practised over water. Despite the small additional weight, it is therefore important to ensure that the canopy fabric has a water-repellent coating. Furthermore, there are quality differences regarding durability, especially with lightweight fabrics. A satisfactory level of durability can only be achieved with ultra-fine, high-density fabrics. These fabrics have extremely long weaving times and are correspondingly expensive.
   

Round canopy reserves

SECOND CHANCE

The world’s most-sold round canopy with numerous documented emergency deployments.

CHARLY reserve inner containers

Our inner containers have a separate compartment for the lines, so that the canopy is only released after the lines have been fully stretched. The line bundles remain protected inside the container, line tangles during deployment are safely avoided and the risk of entanglements of the reserve with the main glider is minimized. The fastening rubbers are made of elastic braids with a fabric sleeve and are much more durable than conventional packing rubbers.

The inner containers are suitable for the TARGETcross as well as for conventional CHARLY hang gliding and paragliding rescue systems.
Weiter Infos zu unseren Innecontainer findest Du in unserem Shop

Downloads:

Manual Round canopy reserves	Repacking DC inner container	Frontcont.Cockpit DC installation instruction	Assembly instructions RISER COVER

Cross canopy reserves

TARGETcross: The future of paraglider rescue systems lies in the steerability of normal cross canopies, as they offer both experienced pilots and beginners additional options for dealing with emergency situations. At the same time, the steerability has no negative impact on weight, surface area or volume. Thanks to the use of the highest quality materials, the TARGETcross ST100 is one of the lightest paraglider rescue systems currently available, weighing only 1,170 g, measuring 25.2 m2 and having a volume of 3,900 cc, while still being sufficiently robust.

Find detailed information about the TARGETcross in the TC brochure

 Separating the paraglider with the Paralock and landing safely with the TARGETcross

During the development of the TARGETcross, we paid a lot of attention to the problem of the reserve becoming entangled with the glider and carried out a lot of testing. 

With a set of new risers, it can later be upgraded to steerable by the manufacturer or an authorized service center. The upgrade costs 140 € and includes repacking.

CHARLY reserve inner containers

Our inner containers have a separate compartment for the lines, so that the canopy is only released after the lines have been fully stretched. The line bundles remain protected inside the container, line tangles during deployment are safely avoided and the risk of entanglements of the reserve with the main glider is minimized. The fastening rubbers are made of elastic braids with a fabric sleeve and are much more durable than conventional packing rubbers.

The inner containers are suitable for the TARGETcross as well as for conventional CHARLY hang gliding and paragliding rescue systems.

Videos:

Downloads:

Manual DIAMONDcross	Manual DC Innercontainer	Info Brochure TARGETcross

Frontcont.Cockpit DC installation instruction	Assembly instructions RISER COVER

Rescue systems for paragliders

New: Steerable cruciform canopy Charly DIAMONDcross