LTF 2-3

 

 

Development Story: 
 

The TYCOON project has been our greatest challenge in years: We wanted to re-establish the rightful position of the so-called high performance wings at the top of the stack. In the recent past, intermediate wings have caught up to their higher rated brothers. Now, with the TYCOON, performance is back and it’s back by a big margin. Some have talked about stagnation in paraglider performance. The Tycoon quiets this by setting a new standard. From the CXC to the  PHANTOM, from the SPHINX to the XYON and the VERTEX to ARGON / RADON - the TYCOON offers the greatest step forward in performance from one generation of Nova to the next! Our new computer simulation methods (CFD) made it possible to increase performance to (previously) unimagined levels. New materials and our constantly increasing knowledge of safety enabled us to offer proven DHV 2-3 security and performance at a level which until now was only available from open class wings. After the TATTOO and MAMBOO development we analyzed many different 3D models in our virtual CFD wind tunnel. The predictions were promising but, as we were in no hurry (our factory was already overloaded), we took our time to carefully make the computer models into reality.

 

The computer's predicted direction led to wings with very small surfaces, lots of aspect ratio, optimized airfoils and a perfect balance between sail tension and wing curve. The very first prototypes already showed the concept's potential. The wings’ outlines were impressive, but performance and safety were not good enough. We had to improve both. The very detailed information from the computer calculations let us look carefully for mistakes in the airfoil and wing shape that prevented us from achieving the predicted glide ratio. We tried different airfoils, suspension positions and line geometries. Finally, we succeeded - the wing became very rigid but reacted softly in safety maneuvers, the airfoil became smooth and clean and the performance finally matched the predictions. The TYCOON has the highest aspect ratio we have ever built (including. Comp protos). But despite it's very impressive tech data (a flat aspect ratio of 6.41), the safety is surprisingly good. As usual, we didn't need to change the computer optimized trim to reach certification so the performance of the certified TYCOON matches the forecasts of the computer model.

  


Technical Changes: 
 

The difference in aspect ratio between the TATTOO (DHV2) and the TYCOON (DHV 2-3) is as big as the difference between the PRIMAX (DHV1) and the TATTOO! The performance difference mirrors this – there is as great a jump in performance from TATTOO to TYCOON as from PRIMAX to TATTOO! In a direct comparison against it's predecessor the RADON, the TYCOON has the following improvements: - a lot more aspect ratio: to achieve the goal of absolute high performance - a lot less surface: a component of high aspect ratio that is fast and agile - more cells: a rigid and clean airfoil - longer lines and more wing curve: a better, more efficient technique to gain wing tension - a new airfoil: greater performance through a wider range of angles of attack: delayed collapses, more lift - better form stability of the airfoil: less deformation in accelerated flight - small, form optimized intakes: more pressure in the cells - a tricky cross ports scheme: better reinflation - new cloth: the hybrid buildup of the topsail: 45g in front part, 40g/sqm in the rear part and light cloth for the ribs offers better inflation and less surge - a new sewing method in the leading edge: cleaner shape, fewer wrinkles - new main lines: PPSL 160 instead of 200: thinner but still strong enough What remained the same: - lines (Technora 8000 in the upper lines, PPSL as main lines) - the principle of the canopy buildup: short 2- and 3- fork line cascades - the speedsystem: the TYCOON has only 3 risers

  

Main characteristics:  
 

The TYCOON is an absolute high performance paraglider with DHV certification. Because of the high aspect ratio, quick handling and high dynamics, this wing needs a very good pilot to control it. Although a very slim wing, the TYCOON is rigid and stable. Also, extreme maneuvers are surprisingly soft and controllable. This synthesis of leading edge performance and good safety impressed even our test pilots.

Design:

 
Corresponding pilot profile:
 

Tycoon
Starter		0%
Occasional pilot		0%
Exp. regular pilot		40%
Cross Country pilot		100%
Competition pilot		100%
Towing		yes
GS-Motor		no

 Trailer: 

	Tycoon
	Description: The impressive Tycoon in spring thermals Pilot: Christian Gruber Tycoon: 03:57   Real Video Streaming (384x216): DSL 512kbit/s, ISDN, 56k Modem Real Video file download (384x216): 14.8MB, zipped Xvid Video file download (640x360): 26.1MB, zipped MPEG2 (fullsize 720x576, 16:9, interlaced): 113MB, zipped

Technical Data: 
 
Here you will find the technical data of the TYCOON compared to others. 


DHV-Test Reports:  
   
  Tycoon S, Tycoon M, Tycoon L    
   
 
Photos:
 
Visit the Photo Gallery!
  
 
Manual, Lineplans, ... :
 
Have a look on the Downloads page!