Re: [martin.c] FLIK Lite and FOX Lite
Re: FLiK Lite and FOX Lite
From Todd at Apex BASE
What’s the new Lite canopy all about?
To understand the Lite feature we need to explain the standard FLiK or FOX.
We built the FOX and FLiK originally with little or no regard to the bulk of the parachute. We over built them both. This was evident in several areas including the bridle attachment. Since the FOX was the first BASE specific parachute, if anything, we wanted it to be over built. We knew these parachutes would be used for hundreds of jumps in a single parachute system and we were venturing into uncharted areas.
Now, fast forward 15 + years, the sport has changed and customers now request lighter and smaller parachutes. We’ve always known we overbuilt the canopy and we had room to re-engineer the type and the amount of reinforcement we used in these two parachutes.
In the Lite canopy we changed the following:
• All span wise reinforcement (B and C) was changed to a lighter nylon tape. This tape is more expensive and commonly used in skydiving reserves.
• All internal Load Bearing rib tape was changed to the same lighter weight tape used in the span wise reinforcement.
• We reduced the width of the tape, from 1/2” to 3/8” that is rolled into the tail seam.
• We changed the suspension line from 525 lb. Dacron to a 400 lb Dacron line.
• The tail pocket material was also changed to a lighter weight fabric.
No change was made to any of the leading edge tapes. We continue to use Type III tape because of the durability and strength.
In the Lite canopy we removed the following:
• Span wise reinforcement on the bottom surface at the D-line.
• The top line of reinforcement tape on the stabilizer.
• The bridle attachment reinforcement on the top surface cells 3 and 5.
All these changes have yielded a parachute that packs about 10% smaller and weighs 5% less.
Neither of these parachute use the newer reduced bulk, reduced strength fabric found in other parachute. Stay tuned for the new parachute from Apex BASE that will use this new fabric.
Those are the details. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
FLiK Lite-FOX Lite
They still Fly Great, but are now Less Filling.
Thanks
Apex BASE