The Vampire V-1 by Phoenix-Fly
The result of 6 continuous years of research and development, Phoenix-Fly proudly introduces the Vampire V-1 wingsuit.
The PF Vampire V-1 wingsuit features:
A revolutionary CAD-designed 3D arm wing
Semi-rigid plastic ribs inside the arm and leg wings
Newly designed leg wing leading edge
Advanced leg wing design with increased surface area
Increased back deflector size
Integrated arm wing sleeve design
Redesigned wingtip grips
Adjustable arm tension swoop cords
New low-drag materials
New wing release handles
The Vampire V-1 was designed with both skydivers and BASE jumpers in mind. All V-1 features are highly beneficial for both disciplines.
For skydivers, the V-1 will enable you to fly further, faster, hang out in the clouds longer, with more controllable flocking dives flown in tighter formations.
For wingsuit BASE jumpers, the V-1 is the ultimate choice, offering the best performance available and permitting longer flights, both in distance and delay.
The V-1 is not an “off the shelf” product, but rather a tailor-made suit designed to fit exact flyer measurements. Each suit is unique and customized to fit your body, which maximizes comfort and performance.
Price: 990 Euro or 1,250 USD
With new revolutionary design, low-drag materials, custom-tailoring and higher performance, many people might wonder how the Vampire V-1 can be priced comparably to other wingsuits. Is this too good to be true? Absolutely not! Because of streamlined option offerings and scaled-down color selection, manufacturing complexity is greatly reduced. In addition, Phoenix-Fly’s overhead and operating costs have been simplified – a savings that is passed directly to our customers.
The V-1 will be available beginning December 1, 2004 and order forms will be available on www.phoenix-fly.com from November 30.
Note on lead times: During the initial launch phase of the V-1, Phoenix-Fly will be faced with the challenge of trying to keep up with demand. As observed with the initial launch of the PF Pants and Jackets, lead times may be up to 8-10 weeks, during which we will endeavour to keep you updated on status. Once order volume has stabilized, we’re aiming for a 6-8 week lead time. We ask for your patience during this time and promise that you will be rewarded with an exceptional state-of-the-art wingsuit that far surpasses anything that you’ve ever flown.
By unclecharlie109, in Gear,
Parachute Systems Service Bulletin for Vortex Container
PRODUCT SERVICE BULLETIN 2016-01 (PSB # 2016 - 01)
ISSUE DATE: 4th January 2016
SUBJECT: Stainless Steel Mini Base Ring
STATUS: Ground Equipment Until Further Notice
IDENTIFICATION: PSB # 2016-01
Affected Vortex Rigs: To be updated ASAP.
Subject to a notification on Saturday, Jan 2nd, 2016, from our dealer in Holland that a stainless steel mini base ring presented with a problem on a Vortex container on its fourth jump (DOM October 2014), we are immediately advising all customers with a Vortex that has “DSF” stamped base rings (flip the base ring over and if its stamped DSF) to ground their equipment until we can ascertain which batch is impacted and obtain more detail from the manufacturer. We are diligently pursuing this information in as quick a time as possible. We will post serial numbers of potentially affected Vortex's as soon as we have the manufacturers’ confirmed information and steps that need to be taken to resolve this issue.
Please be assured that Parachute Systems will make all efforts as quickly as possible to resolve this issue.
Discussions regarding this issue are being discussed on Parachute Systems' Facebook page.
This bulletin will be updated as more information on the affected containers are provided.
UPDATE - Permanent Grounding For All Vortex Harness Containers With DSF Ring
An update has been provided by Parachute Systems that has seen the permanent grounding of all Vortex containers with the affected DSF ring.
"While the hardware manufacturers believe the compromised stainless steel ring could be an isolated incident, and expert opinion has confirmed this is very possible, in the absence of being able to test every single ring quickly and efficiently, both companies have decided that they will not risk the possibility of even one Harness Container in the field with a potentially faulty stainless steel ring.
It has been decided, therefore, that every Vortex Harness Container with the stainless steel hardware as referenced in the Bulletin and stamped “DSF” BE GROUNDED PERMANENTLY"
This grounding does NOT pertain to the Vortex Harness Containers that do not have the referenced stainless steel hardware per the Bulletin and stamped “DSF">
It has been further agreed to by both companies, that EVERY Vortex harness container that has the stainless steel hardware as referenced in the initial Bulletin, will be replaced with a brand new identical Harness Container as the original order.
The replacement phase (VORTEX REPLACEMENT PROGRAM) will commence immediately and the closing date for the receipt of claims under this program is December 31st 2016."
More information available in the Service Bulletin
They have also made a recall form Available on Their Website
Flight Club - you can hear the difference
We have been dreaming about this for a long time and now it is real. In air communication systems, allowing us to talk and communicate in freefall, in the wind tunnel and under canopy. An ideal tool for instruction, but not limited to only just that.
Flight Club is now using the in air communication systems acquired from RareDynamic.com.
The in flight systems arrived just in time, on the second to last day of a Freefly skills camp with the Golden Knights Tandem Team. The Golden Knights chose to receive coaching from Flight Club and improve their Freefly skills to become better all around skydivers. They were the
perfect group to introduce this technology to. The results were incredible. Both Flight Club instructors and The Golden Knights witnessed and experienced a much faster learning curve. The Knights produced positive results including faster reaction time and better understanding of what the instructors wanted from them.
Other students agreed with the Knights. Diane Oelschlager (1202 jumps) said: "Absolutely kick ass technology! Hearing your instructor's calm soothing voice, instantly relaxes you and lets perform at your best." Cheri Johnson (130 jumps) added: " Not only did I see my instructor but I actually got to hear him. Even on landing! When the winds seriously picked up to he point where my canopy was almost flying backwards, it was comforting to hear a voice confirming my actions and guiding me down safely."
Instructors agreed that when the student hears the command, there is a faster reaction time compared to making the association and translation of hand signals. The instructor can also give more elaborate instructions. In comparison, hand signals, are somewhat limiting; one could command “legs out”, however, how do you give someone the sign for a more complex message? It is simple, now with the air-to-air communication system you can clearly communicate in detail.
This helps to avoid miscommunication and decrease anxiety and apprehension with students by helping to manage arousal levels through for example breathing. Instructors can continue to use hand signals as a secondary form of communication.
"This system is totally off the hook", says Benjamin Forde (520 jumps). "I could not believe how clear it was. Imagine having Omar chatting with you and pointing out the kinks, real time, crystal clear, no more guessing, no more trying to remember the 20 things that happened during the jump once on the ground. I get it! I will get the learning equivalent of 3-5 traditional coach jumps for every one I do with this system and these guys... and under canopy, its awesome, swoop training anyone? You are no longer alone—it's THE absolute revolution in coaching."
Flight Club offers in flight communication to all students for all disciplines. Visit their web site for more information on their courses.
Flight Club
Introducing The Safire 3 by NZ Aerosports
NZ Aerosports released the original Icarus Safire in 1999. They followed up in 2001 with the release of the Safire2, and she went on to become their biggest selling mainstream canopy, and one of the most popular beginner and intermediate canopies on the market.
About five years ago, there began to be rumours of a Safire 3 and Crossfire 3 being developed, but the development of Petra and Leia stole the limelight and the research and development hours, and kept the company preoccupied for a few years. But last year NZ Aerosports started making some noise about them again, and since there's been a few teaser posts on their Facebook page about these new wings.
Everyone wants to know when the Safire 3 and Crossfire 3 will be released, but the team at NZ Aerosports are staying tight lipped on that one. They have stated that the Safire 3 will be first to go public. And they've released a bit of information about what we can expect to see in the Safire 2's successor. They say they are also working hard on the Crossfire 3 project and that it’s going to be ready later in the year than the Safire 3, but it’s looking pretty good!
The starting point for the Safire 3 project was reshaping the Safire 2 in the same software and using the same 3D design technique used to design Petra and Leia. They’ve kept the crossport design and repartition the same, to reduce surface distortion and improve load bearing, and the 3D lineset design, which gives a more accurate shape in flight. They’ve used the same elliptical lobe, so the shape of the canopy given by the way the lineset attaches now follows a true ellipse. And they’ve added their statement Powerband that flattens the 3D panels more accurately and reduces fabric stretch to keep the new design true to it’s shape in flight.
These are some of the design changes you can expect from the Safire 2 to Safire 3:
New planform totally reshaped through true 3D design
Proportionally tuned air inlets that open wider in the centre of the canopy and less toward the tips
New brake configuration, providing a more efficient flare
It won't be more 'high performance' than the Safire 2, because it is aimed at the same type of pilot that flies them now, but she will be more efficient and responsive, have a better glide and an even more powerful flare.
The Safire3 Project: Opening Progression from NZ Aerosports Ltd on Vimeo.
When the Safire 3 comes to market she will be available exclusively from NZ Aerosports in New Zealand, and NZ Aerosports dealers.
Z-Brace Technology from Performance Designs
The next revolution in high performance technology: Z-Brace Performance Designs has been working on this concept for over two years and is proud to present the first Z-BRACE concept canopy.
In 1990 Performance Designs launched Excalibur, the first cross-braced canopy. this technology was designed and patented by Performance Designs and is being used in canopies from around the world. The Velocity high performance wing from PD is the world's most winningest cross-braced canopy to date.
Cross-braced technology:
A cross-brace holds a non-load rib flat with a conventional rib, in effect creating three loaded cells between line groups.
The Z-Brace concept:
The Z-Brace goes a step beyond the cross-brace, by diagonally bracing two additional non-loded ribs, which results in five cells between line groups.
The Z-Brace concept canopy displayed at PIA was a 35 cell canopy. The Z-Brace technology and canopy is not yet available on any released products.
PIA Contest Winner
At the recent PIA Symposium PD displayed the new Z-Brace concept canopy described above. At their booth they had a contest where jumpers completed a short survey and then were invited to guess how many parts make up the Z-Brace canopy. For coming up with the correct answer people could win a free PD canopy of their choice.
One jumper came up with the correct answer – 400 parts ! “Chilly-Willy” Del Campo from Chile was the lucky winner – the only one guessing the exact number of parts. Enjoy the new canopy Willy!!
Service Bulletin - Icon Harness Container Cutaway Cable and Cable Housing
ISSUE DATE: 11 th MARCH 2005
STATUS: MANDATORY - To be actioned before next jump by a qualified Rigger.
IDENTIFICATION: ALL ICON HARNESS / CONTAINERS
PART NUMBERS: C125
BACKGROUND: Ground testing of a ICON Harness Container revealed a Hard Cutaway.
The Hard Cutaway was attributed to Dirty Cutaway Housings and Dirty Cutaway Cables.
The incident is localized to and individual Drop Zone. The individual Drop Zone is in an
excessively sandy (fine beach sand) and windy environment.
SERVICE BULLETIN: CLEANING THE CUTAWAY CABLE AND CUTAWAY CABLE HOUSING.
Fit the Container as per normal and completely remove the Cutaway Cable checking for
any abnormality.
With the Cutaway Cable removed pass a thin line up thru each Cutaway Housing. Now
once the piece of line has passed thru the Cutaway Housing attach a suitably size
(± 1” x 7” / 25mm x 175mm), piece of clean cotton cloth soaked in paraffin to the end of
the piece of string and pull thru the Cutaway Housing. Perform this to both the left and
right hand side Cutaway Housings.
Clean the Cutaway Cable (Yellow Cable) with Paraffin. Ensure that the Cutaway Cable is
completely clean and all the dark marks on the Cutaway Cable are removed.
Refit the cutaway cable.
Fit the container as per normal and perform 3 Cutaways completely removing the
Cutaway Cable each time. Clean the Cutaway Cable with Paraffin between each test.
Ensure Cutaway Cable is routed and fitted correctly.
If any queries or questions please contact manufacturer
AUTHORITY: AERODYNE SYSTEMS AEROSPACE (Pty) Ltd
29 Duiker Road
Canelands
4340
South Africa
Tel +27 32 533 0333
Fax +27 32 533 0262
e-mail [email protected]
web www.aerodyne-int.com
Service Bulletin SB 110305
Download Service Bulletin SB 110305 (PDF)
Birdman Announces Katana Wingsuit Release
Just days after we brought you an article on the Ninja wingsuit by Birdman, they have come out with a press release for the anticipated Katana wingsuit. We mentioned the Katana in last weeks article, touching on whether or not the Katana was in fact a renaming of what was originally advertised as the Samurai, while in development. The Katana is Birdman's third wingsuit in their 2013 line, following the Blade III and Ninja. The Katana wingsuit has been developed by Jari Kuosma and Shin Ito and focuses on speed and distance, where as the Blade III was a flocking suit and the Ninja was an acrobatics suit.
The Katana wingsuit sports large wings and quatro-wing design with a drag reduction system which enhances the flow of air on the top of the wing, allowing for quicker speeds and longer distance in flight. The design still allows for quick and flat turns without having to maximize the surface area. Birdman wanted to develop a wingsuit that while being large, was extremely quick and at the same time capable of easy maneuverability.
Technical Specifications:
Aerodynamically shaped, transparent reinforced sail material with BIRDMAN DRS.
Emergency cut-away for arms.
10 mm YKK zippers.
Reinforced 3D air-intakes with air-locks.
Hook knife pocket outside.
Two inner pockets.
Reinforced 2 mm thick leather bootie.
High collar.
210D double coated extra sturdy nylon.
Semi- rigid long- and short ribs made from BoPET material.
Fully breathable inner lining for comfort.
Thick protective knee & bootie area.
Leading edge: Aerodynamically shaped, transparent reinforced sail material.
Thick, moisture absorbing back pad made from Spandex.
Large size erected air-inlets with airlocks.
Back deflector and leg wing DRS.
Semi-rigid and shaped leading edge.
10 mm wide YKK zipper.
Sales for the Birdman Katana start in November 2013.
Birdman is a company with a long history in skydiving and was one of the first companies to produce wingsuits to skydivers, over a decade ago. The company is has undergone some changes after taking a hiatus and now pushing their new line of products in 2013.
Could 6,000 be your new lucky number?
Performance Designs, Inc., located in Deland, Florida, is having a contest to celebrate the making of its 6000th Sabre2 main canopy which has been one of their most successful lines of main canopies.
The Sabre2 emerged from over 15 years of ongoing research and development. Named after its predecessor – the original Sabre – its purpose was to fulfill the evolving need for an all-purpose all-around canopy. Starting as a replacement of the original PD 9 cell, the original Sabre was designed to appeal to the needs of an emerging skydiving market in the late 80’s. The President of Performance Designs, Bill Coe, and Vice President, John Leblanc, said they needed a canopy that would appeal to a general market that wanted better openings, landings and performance characteristics than the current models available at the time. The canopy was designed with such vision that continues to endure. The original Sabre established precedence as the benchmark for rectangular zero porosity canopies with over 20,000 of them produced and jumped all over the world since 1989.
As the needs of our customers evolved, so did our research and development and it was clear that the time had come for the original to spawn the next generation of Sabre. The Sabre2 was introduced to the skies in 2001 - A totally new design from the original, Sabre2 incorporated advances in design accumulated throughout the decade or more that had passed since its predecessor – and it promised to be exciting! The Sabre2 provides a broad range of features to the general skydiving population from weekend jumpers to professional skydivers, such as Max Cohn from Generation Freefly and Arianna de Benedetti from the Italian National Team. Additionally, various drop zones use Sabre2 canopies in their student programs, as well as in transition and rental applications. The Sabre2 boasts the slogan ”Quite possibly the world’s most perfect all around canopy” and since its release has sold nearly 6,000 of them in just 4 years. To celebrate this, Performance Designs is giving one lucky winner the prize of a lifetime!
FREE canopy—your Sabre2 canopy at no charge
FREE flight to Deland, Florida to visit Performance Designs’ facilities.
FREE first jump on your new canopy with John Leblanc, vice-president of Performance Designs and head designer of our products!
FREE case of beer
FREE canopy control class with Scott Miller
And of course, tons of pictures and memories as we feature you on magazines and websites worldwide!
About the Sabre2
The Sabre2 is a slightly tapered, zero-porosity nine cell canopy, suitable for intermediate jumpers at light wing loadings and a wide range that makes it attractive to more experienced jumper at higher wing loadings. The Sabre2 is designed to be fun to fly, easy to land, and to be a great all-purpose skydiving canopy. Slow openings, crisp positive response to toggle input, along with its light toggle and riser pressure are some of the characteristics that set this canopy apart. The Sabre2 has an incredible amount of lift available on landing that will give you tremendous ability to slow down when you wish to. Sabre2’s performance envelope is huge – it will feel aggressive at higher wing loadings while maintaining its incredible ease of landing and forgiveness at lower wing loadings. If you are looking for a canopy that represents the evolution of modern, carefree performance, the Sabre2 is it!
How to participate
All you need to do to participate is place an order for your Sabre2 canopy through your favorite dealer. And when lucky 6,000 comes up – John Leblanc will contact the winner personally. So what are you waiting for?
Sky Systems Ltd. changing ownership
DENVER, CO (April 21, 2005) – After sixteen years in business, Sky Systems, Ltd. finds new ownership with Carey Whitley, Yvonne Gnirss and Doug Park, where the business will find its new home in DeLand, Florida.
Troy Widgery, former competitive skydiver with Airmoves, and also founder of Go Fast Sports & Beverage Co., established Sky Systems, Ltd. in 1988 with the invention of the Tube Stoe®. In the years to follow, Sky Systems’ designs revolutionized helmets in the world of skydiving, and the company established and owns several patent/trademarks in the skydiving industry.
The change in ownership is for the benefit of skydivers worldwide, and for that of Sky Systems. “With my need to focus my energy on Go Fast, I figured who better than Doug and Carey to carry on the innovation and quality production of Sky Systems – and to help Sky Systems remain the skydiving helmet and accessories leader worldwide,” said Troy Widgery. “With their experience and passion in this industry, they have the ability to take Sky Systems to an entirely new level, and to continue the original mission to develop new trends and products based on skydivers’ demands.”
The change in ownership will move the Sky Systems headquarters and production facilities out of Colorado. Sky Systems headquarters and production will be moved to Florida later this month.
About Sky Systems, Ltd.
Established in 1988, Sky Systems Ltd. was founded by Troy Widgery with the premise that skydiving equipment should be designed for skydivers by skydivers. Troy's experience includes performing in several world-class teams, including Air Moves and Vortex. As a result, Sky Systems Ltd. has been able to maintain first-hand knowledge of the trends and current demands of this dynamic industry, and in turn, produce some of the most innovative, unique, and highest quality products available in the skydiving market today.
About Doug Park/Carey Whitley/Yvonne Gnirss
With nearly 22,000 skydives between them; this new ownership team will bring a tremendous amount of first-hand industry knowledge to the production, growth and marketing of Sky Systems brand products. All three ownership partners come from independent small business backgrounds, and have made skydiving an integral part of their personal and professional accomplishments.
Doug Park / DeLand Majik
16000+ skydives
2004 World Champion 4-way, Croatia
2004, 2003, 2002 Anton Malvesky World Cup Champion, Russia (WR ave. 23.1)
2004, 2003 US National 4-way Champion
2004, 2003 US National Overall Champion
2004, 2002 Shamrock Showdown Champion (WR ave. 22.7)
2003, 2002 National Skydiving League Champion
2002 World Cup Champion 4-way, Spain
2002 World Cup Bronze Medalist 8-way, Spain
2002 US National Bronze Medalist
1998 World Cup Champion, Portugal
Multiple US National Silver Medals
Former landscape company business owner, Vermont
Carey Whitley
4400+ Skydives
Current Manager and Chef at the Perfect Spot, DeLand
AFF Instructor
Competitor at Nationals
Former owner of one of the “25 Fastest Growing Companies and Best Businesses” in Richmond, VA – Sharper Palette catering company
Small Business Consultant
Yvonne Gnirss
1500 skydives
Owner and Artist of Fused Image (www.fusedimage.com)
Marathon/Multi-Sport Endurance Athlete – training for 2005 Florida Half Ironman For more information, please email [email protected].
Skydance Photography updates name, introduces the Sonic
Skydance Photography is updating its name and logo to reflect its diverse selection of skydiving helmets, camera systems and accessories. "We chose our new name, Skydance Headgear, because our product line has expanded beyond strictly camera gear," says Steve Wood, president. "In recent years we've developed the concept of a Component Helmet System that allows jumpers to easily upgrade our helmets when they're ready to start camera flying. The idea has really taken off and we felt our company name and look should reflect that concept better."
Skydance Headgear also continues to innovate in the camera helmet market with the introduction of the brand new "Sonic" helmet. Its fiberglass construction and multiple camera platforms make it the most versatile camera system available. Molded into the Sonic's lightweight base are four camera attachment platforms. Digital camcorders can be side-mounted on both the left and right side with the available variable pitch camera brackets. Add a front mount for a still camera and there's still room for top mounting on the big 5" x 7" top platform. The Sonic camera system includes an interchangeable plush internal liner for unparalleled fit and comfort, a ratcheting chincup modification for security and dual audible altimeter pockets. The Sonic is available in black, white or red and sells for $335.00
Also available is the optional Sonic Camera Mounting Kit. It includes 2 side and 1 front mount brackets, tripod mounting screws, adjustable retention straps, attachment hardware and mounting instructions. It sells for $59.00
For more information about Skydance Headgear or the new Sonic helmet, visit www.SkydanceHeadgear.com.