INNOVATIONS
Our aim is to remain at the cutting edge, producing gliders that allow us to fly higher and further. We take care of the small details to create great stories together. Ambition and endeavour are part of our DNA. That's why we are passionate about pushing boundaries and, above all, doing it as a team.
We are firmly committed to development and innovation, positioning ourselves as a leading company in the sector.
The Niviuk philosophy is based on the understanding that only dedication and effort can achieve the best results. In our facilities, we have brought together pilots, test pilots, designers, engineers and software programmers to bring you the "Amazing Adventures" that we are known for.
SLE
Structured Leading Edge
RAM
RAM Air Intake
The result? Having greater internal pressure means better buffering of turbulence, greater consistency of the profile shape across the speed range. Excellent handling at low speed is achieved by allowing the pilot to extend the braking limit, so there is a lower risk of collapse and consequently, greater control and stability.
TNT
Titanium Technology
Nitinol is a combination of 50% nickel and 50% titanium. The incorporation of Nitinol rods in the profile increases the performance of the wing, especially in three areas:
- Compared to nylon rods, the weight of the wing is reduced by 13%.
- Nitinol had two essential characteristics: shape memory and enormous elasticity. As a result, the rods retain their optimum shape even after an ultra-compact or incorrect folding, so that the wing is not deformed. This will always be the case unless the radius at the point of curvature is less than 1 cm.
- The leading edge shape is much more rigid and uniform which results in a much more consistent and progressive inflation and therefore an easier take off. The profile is taut at all times, without creases, and fully optimised for all flight phases.
In addition, the rods have a plastic protector at their ends to prevent any damage to the fabric of the wing.
Nitinol is now featured in all our wings.
3DL
3D Leading Edge
A good comparison is a rugby ball. In order to produce its characteristic oval shape without creases, its cover is made of several panels - not of just one piece.
The application of this innovation, in conjunction with the 3DP, is key to converting the perfect shape from 2D to 3D.
RSD
Radial Sliced Diagonal
RSD (Radial Sliced Diagonal) technology is a reinvention of the wing's internal structure. It incorporates independent and efficiently oriented diagonal ribs, which follow the direction of the cloth. This improves the strength, reduces weight and minimises deformation.
These days, in order to improve stress distribution and reduce the number of attachment points and lines, most wings have these diagonal ribs, which are connected from the attachment points to the adjacent profiles.
In conventional diagonal ribs, loading and unloading cycles away from the highest strength axis of the cloth result in a loss of shape, which reduces the cohesion of the wing and therefore aerodynamic efficiency.
3DP
3D Pattern Cut Optimization
The design of our paraglider and paramotor wings has evolved a lot over the years, with a positive and specific focus on the leading edge.
Thanks to this technology and 3DL, a perfect modelling of the panels and an exact representation from 2D to 3D is achieved.
DES
Double Effect System
This technology allows us to have all the differential available on the speed-bar, so that we do not have to take the hands off the controls to be able to go from the neutral trimmer position to maximum speed, or vice versa.
In case of high speed collapses, it is very useful to be able to return to the neutral position by releasing the speed-bar without having to close the trimmers manually. In this way flights are more comfortable and safe.
DRS
Drag Reduction Structure
ELS
Ear Lock System
Usually when the pilot has pulled big ears on a solo glider, they can only steer using weight-shift. Although it is also possible to do this with the help of a passenger on a tandem paraglider, in most cases this is insufficient. This is why Niviuk developed the ELS.
To use the Ear Lock System, simply pull the ear lock tab downward until the knot passes through the ELS (lock system). Then move them slightly horizontally forward, locking the knots in the V grooves. To release, pull the big ear tabs down to release the knots from the grooves. Then guide it vertically as it goes upward and back through the ELS. It is better to release the two ears asymmetrically.
Advantages of the ELS system:
- It enables the pilot to pull and release the ears as desired.
- It gives full steering control to the pilot with the ears applied.
- Lets the pilot use the ears as long as necessary with no physical effort at all.
- Allows the pilot to use the trimmers without concern or restriction.
- Prevents the ears from opening unintentionally, as they are blocked.
- The manoeuvre can still be performed the classic way, without using the ELS.
- Can be easily removed without affecting the rest of the equipment.
IKS
Interlock System
Niviuk has developed two types, the IKS1000 and the IKS3000, each one designed as a connection system for different parts of the wing:
- The IKS1000 is designed and dimensioned as a connection system between the risers and the lines. It has a breaking load of 1055 kg, which greatly exceeds that of the classic 3 mm (550 kg) maillon, but with a much less weight. This feature makes it a key element in the entire range of lightweight P-Series wings, which are delivered with this technology as standard.
- The IKS3000 is designed to connect the risers and/or the parachute with the harness. Its breaking load of 2960 kg makes it an ultralight alternative to the 7 mm (3125 kg) maillon or an aluminium carabiner (2000 kg). The IKS3000 design and concept make it ideal for mountaineering, hike & fly and ultralight equipment.