ZULU-X

Description

ZULU-X IS HERE

Aerodyne’s hot 9-cell wing. A true high performance non-crossbraced canopy, aggressive and nimble with positive reliable on-heading openings at a reasonable 9-cell price. It was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation software using sophisticated aerodynamic principles to create a versatile high performance aerofoil.With the ZULU, the canopy pilot gets consistent and positive on heading openings. It is elliptical at both the nose and the tail, with a tapered wing, and it is highly responsive to toggle, riser, and harness input. Like a great sports car or an aerobatic airplane, it does exactly what it is told to do. The ZULU does not exhibit the temperamental nature of some high performance canopies which can be prone to radical openings and oversteer. It is a parachute that is easy to fly with precision.

With that said, it is a performance canopy and not intended for the inexperienced canopy pilot. The more experienced skydiver will appreciate the ZULU’s capabilities and should be prepared for the exhilaration of a canopy that can make your heart pound as you put it through its paces.

The ZULU is a well-mannered high performance canopy and is suitable for many disciplines. Our test team made hundreds of jumps on ZULUs which included wingsuiting, big way, and camera jumps.We selected a pool of expert test pilots and did exhaustive head-to-head comparisons with the leading parachutes in the same class. The ZULU emerged as the preferred canopy among the test pilot group. With test wing loadings ranging from 1.3 to 2.2, the ZULU was stable in all conditions, and it exhibited great control response with brakes stowed. The electronic monitors calculated the Zulu’s best glide of 4.26 to 1 as the highest canopy glide ratio in the class. At the same time, the ZULU turned and dived more aggressively than the other canopies, showing both a greater increase in speed and carving through more altitude in a 360° turn.

Along with the all-new ZULU aerofoil, we have developed an all-new premium line type, a highly ordered structured thermoplastic polymer, the new ZLX.

You will be impressed by the soft and supple feel of the line, which is not as brittle and abrasive as other high performance lines. It has shown us remarkable strength and endurance in a year of jump testing. It maintains the feel of the line over hundreds of jumps without pilling like some lines can show over time. It provides no shrinkage and a longer life than lines currently available in the market. The ZULU will come standard with the new ZLX 700 lines.In addition, the ZULU will be available with a removable slider as an option. This is an Aerodyne design, with high grade stainless steel custom hardware. By removing the slider, you will allow the risers to open wider, flattening the wing for optimum performance. Our slider is a simple and elegant design, easy to use, and very secure.

When you are flying a ZULU, the canopy flight is where the fun begins! The ZULU will provide the most fun and the least stress of any high performance canopy on the market…

TECHNICAL SPECS

Wing Area	Span	Chord	Chord	Weight	Weight	Volume
Sq. Ft.	Ft.	Max	Min	Kg.	Lbs.	Cu. Inch
92	16.10	5.92	5.03	2.10	4.60	293
102	16.77	6.17	5.24	2.20	4.80	305
112	17.70	6.51	5.53	2.30	5.10	325
122	18.58	6.78	5.76	2.40	5.30	340
132	19.23	7.03	5.98	2.50	5.50	350
152	21.00	7.68	6.53	2.60	5.70	370
172	21.73	7.95	6.75	2.69	5.92	383

Planform factor: 10.0
Aspect Ratio: 2.75
Number of cells: 9
Fabric: ZP OR ZPX
Suspension lines: 700 LBS. VECTRAN ZLX

CANOPY SELECTION

WL	Student/Novice		Intermediate		Advanced		Maximum
WL	NS		1.4		1.8		2.2
Size	Lbs	Kg	Lbs	Kg	Lbs	Kg	Lbs	Kg
92	NS	NS	129	59	166	75	202	92
102	NS	NS	143	65	184	83	224	102
112	NS	NS	157	71	202	92	246	112
122	NS	NS	171	78	220	100	268	122
132	NS	NS	185	84	238	108	290	132
152	NS	NS	213	97	274	124	300	136
172	NS	NS	240	109	309	140	378	171

Note: The above numbers are recommendations based on the global use of similar canopies, and taking into consideration different training techniques, experiences and other varying conditions. Therefore the recommendation range may be varied based on individual and local training techniques, field elevations and prevailing atmospheric conditions.

This canopy selector program is designed as a non-exclusive guide to selecting a canopy. It is designed to be used to assist you in finding an appropriate model and size of Aerodyne canopy for your exit weight, experience level and expectations. Please remember that in no way can this selector replace professional expert advice that is based upon firsthand knowledge of your current experience, skill level and frame of reference.

Only training, experience, currency and a healthy body and mind can reduce (but will not eliminate) the risk to you of danger, serious bodily injury, or death. Regardless of your time in the sport, never hesitate to consult other more experienced or knowledgeable individuals. They are often happy to help you make appropriate decisions. At Aerodyne, we recommend that, for both your main and your reserve canopies, you choose a canopy suitable for your experience level, which you can land safely at your normal drop zone’s field elevation, in no wind, in hot summer conditions, utilizing a normal straight-in approach and progressive flare.

Please note that this selector is based upon exit weight and International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) conditions. Exit weight is body weight + equipment weight + clothing. ISA conditions are at Mean Sea Level (MSL) with a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and 101,325 Pa (29.92″ Hg). Canopy wing performance degrades at higher altitudes and with higher temperatures.

Aerodyne has developed an objective method to determine the degree of ellipticity of a canopy’s planform. We have dubbed this value the “planform factor” (“PF”). A higher planform factor equates to a greater degree of ellipticity and will likely exhibit the associated characteristics. Typically an elliptical canopy is more equally pressurized for better flight performance and exhibits better flare capability. Similarly, the toggle pressure is usually lighter and the turn response is quicker. While these observations are not absolute, they are often typical of those exhibited by canopies with more elliptical planforms.