Cross Braced- Future?

[prost 0]

When ZP material came out it was reserved only for high performance canopies. Then we realized it was a better material for everyone and it is used on less radical canopies. When the first ellipticals arrived they were very high performance canopies. We then learned that it was a better design and now even use it on student canopies. What do you think of cross bracing? Will it eventually find its way into less radical designs? What got me thinking about this was I was talking to a tandem master friend of mine and he mentioned that he thought cross bracing would be great for tandem canopies. What does everyone think?

[riggerrob 643]

Sure cross-bracing would be great for tandem canopies, just don't ask me to pack it!

[Geoff 0]

The stance of Icarus and PD concerning cross-braces was that they're only needed to keep the canopy rigid at very high wing loadings, and so you would get no advantage at low loadings. You'd also have the disadvantage of larger pack volume.
however, I notice that Parachutes de France is bringing out a less-radical cross-braced canopy called the Ninja. I haven't seen any reviews yet, though.
A similar question applies to airlocks - will all canopies have airlocks in the future? Personally, I think that's more likely than all canopies having cross-braces. The advantages of airlocks in turbulence or when flying at very low speed would seem to apply whatever the wing loading (maybe even more at low loadings) and whether swooping or not.
Geoff

[cobaltdan 0]

airlocks on all canopies in the future: definately not. there is currently no scientific data whatsoever that airlocks help in turbulence and about 20 years of scientific data (paragliding industry) showing they are not worthwhile.
tricell cross bracing on a tandem: why?
pros: crossbracing reduces airfoil distortion and increases the airfoil efficiency.
cons: opening issues
on a tandem you are not concerened with flying the smallest canopy possible, you are concerned with:
safety, soft openings, low toggle pressure, stability and good flare. all of these points can be improved on existing designs and not by tricell cross bracing.
sincerely,
dan
atair