Laminar     again the World Champion Hang Glider

Alex Ploner first, Christian Ciech second

at the 2011 Hang gliding World Championships at Monte Cucco, Italy
Cross-country hang glider competitions entered the modern age in 1996, with the introduction of topless hang gliders and the use of GPS instruments to record flights.
From that year, eight world championships have been held. The LAMINAR hang glider has won five of these!
(For the record, the others were won, one each, by a Mouette, an Aeros and a Moyes).
If we remember that the LAMINAR also holds the most prestigious record for this sector, that of overall distance (701 km recorded as long ago as 2001), there can be no doubts about the leadership position of Icaro2000 as a builder of winning hang gliders.
The pictures from the above slideshow are all from Monte Cucco.   Fotographer Antoine Boisselier, Flavio Tebaldi and Raffaella Ferrario.
More pictures on Picasa and Flafly

1
Principal features        (Index)           under new construction

2
Introduction

From its first appearance in 1994, the Laminar has benefited from Icaro’s policy of continuous product development. Every innovation has been examined and tested by our great champion Manfred Ruhmer before being definitively approved and incorporated.
We are proud to say that Manfred is not only the greatest pilot in the world, but he is also responsible for the development of ALL models of hang glider manufactured by Icaro.

This ninth and the tenth edition of the Laminar is the result of  years of experience, both in competition and in test flying, above all by Christian Ciech and Alex Ploner.
Felix Rùhle (designer and manufacturer of the Atos rigid-wing hang glider) made valuable contributions regarding the optimization of the carbon fibre components.

The higher aspect ratio, obtained by means of a different distribution of the chord along the span, has made it possible to increase wing loading. This means better handling, better performance, and above all, greater flying pleasure. A pilot of 100 kg hook-in weight can now fly the 14.1 model instead of the 14.8, without being penalized by an excessive sink rate. In addition, the new chord distribution along the span has increased the proportion of sail area at the extremities. This has further improved both lateral and longitudinal stability.

3
News

30
The model 2012

The new glider for the season 2012 is already defined. There will be no changes from the glider we are producing now. It will be called just "Laminar".
We worked all the season testing new profiles and introducing some changes and the glider now is ready.

The differences to the previous model are:
  • a new battens profile that gives to the glider a better climb rate and an amazing glide performance with an easy and predictable handling
  • The carbon layout of the battens is change for a higher reliability and better finishing
  • We introduce thicker inner and outer sprogs, both in the new carbon fibers layout
  • The sprog end fitting is a unique Ergal piece machined by CNC for a better sail finishing

The Technora sail is now available but, even if we are really satisfied about handling, climb rate and glide performance, we have to say to all our customers, that we have not enough aging data to guarantee the same life of the LSP.

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The model 2010 (Z9)

In the constant quest for optimum quality and world-beating performance, in 2009 the Z9 was fitted with new reinforcement for all LSP sails, with a series of incredible optional features.
Following our recent experience in aerobatics competitions, we have developed new reinforcement for the sail’s centre section, providing better response and better aerodynamic performance during high-speed manoeuvres.
The new wingtip reinforcements were designed to further improve the durability of our sails in laminate, while also giving a fresh and more aggressive look to our competition gliders.

The sail of the 2010 version of the Z9 will be fitted with 4 small removable battens, with a total weight of under 10 grams. They eliminate the flutter that sometimes occurs at the trailing edge at speeds over 100 km/h.

The new top-range options include the Z9 2010 with carbon-fibre wing tubes. They are about 10% more rigid than aluminium tubes, while offering a weight saving of over 1,2 kg.
Never before have performance and handling been such close allies.
For pilots concerned with even the smallest details, those for whom competition results are an important objective and who are looking for something exclusive, we have created a new crossbar, lighter and stronger, with an innovative shape. It will bring your Z9 to an even greater height of perfection,reducing the total weight of the glider by 800 grams.
And now, even the smallest Icaro model, the 12.6 Z9, has a new frame as a standard feature, one with a higher rigidity than previous versions. This optimizes performance and turn coordination.

The new wingtip profiles has further improved glider performance in terms of handling, turn coordination, and longitudinal stability.
The result is excellent flying pleasure, and optimum performance at all speeds.

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The Sail

A number of important modifications have been made to the sail:
The leading edge is no longer interrupted at the nose by the presence of pockets for the Mylar stiffeners, and this ensures optimum, uniform leading edge tension distribution.
The new design of the upper sail surface totally eliminates even the slightest degree of fabric deformation at all VG settings during flight.
The design of the leading edge and the front part of the double surface has been modified to optimize profile shape and tension distribution.
The wingtip tubes have been increased in length and rigidity, in order to improve sail tension at the trailing edge.
The leading edge sail cut has been modified in order to optimize the section profile.
Likewise the design of the canvas below the leading edge has also been modified, again to improve sail tension in the forward part of the wing.

The chord ratio between the central and wingtip sections has been modified, and this has made it possible to increase the aspect ratio.
This has produced notable benefits in terms of handling, performance, stability, and flying pleasure for the pilot.

Wing reinforcement has been redesigned in order to reduce weight.

The 14.1 and 14.8 models have one extra batten to further reduce profile deformation at high speeds. The wingspan/battens ratio is now equivalent to that of the smaller models.

The batten pockets on the under-surface have been redesigned to prevent the battens from sliding out when the hang glider is exposed to a strong tail wind while waiting at the launch site.

The keel pocket now has an additional segment that hides the VG pulleys. This segment improves the appearance of the rear part of the wing, and reduces the aerodynamic drag of this detail component.

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Sail design and sail colours

The wing’s under-surface has a total of 18 colour schemes, ensuring that the hang glider is spectacular and unmistakable in appearance.

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Standard model (square)

The standard model is supplied with our special sail made in a Dacron material named “Square”.
This sail offers the best possible guarantees of durability, and optimum performance in halting the propagation of a tear (rip stop), by means of the reinforcing fibres that are arranged to create a pattern of small squares (hence the name).
This hang glider is ideal for pilots who do not intend to fly in top-level competition or to attempt to break world records, but who nonetheless wish to fly a high-performance glider, with optimum guarantees as to its durability over the years.

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Sail in Diax - 60 LSP    (optional)

With an attractive and aggressive appearance in its white-grey colours, it is 1.3 kg lighter than the Diax - PP60P, and it offers better wing loading performance.
This sail therefore provides better handling and improved performance at high speeds.
It is perfect when used in combination with the competition A-frame, and we strongly recommend this configuration for this sail as well.
As yet, no guarantee can be given regarding the duration of this state-of-the-art material, but our experience, with hang gliders flown for two years, has shown a degree of ageing equal to that of Diax - PP60P.
Further technical specifications + photos from the manufacturer Bainbridge

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The Frame

The frame is constructed from the finest aluminium tubing available on the market today: 7075 aluminium alloy, identical to that used in the aeronautical industry. Our tubing is exclusively drawn aluminium, which offers the best possible characteristics in terms of weight/strength ratio and durability.

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Crossbar Junction

Icaro2000 is the only hang glider manufacturer in the world to manufacture, for all its topless models, a central crossbar junction block in Ergal 7075, made by the digitally-controlled machining of a solid block.
This process yields a strong, light component, in which stress is uniformly distributed throughout the structure of the unit.
The cost of this technology, when compared with the conventional system used by our competitors (two aluminium plates bolted to the central slider) is far higher, “but it is the best system to ensure the optimum strength/weight ratio”, as stated by the Aermacchi engineer and designer Montalberti, who designed this component in 1998.

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Crossbar/leading edge junction

Just as for the central crossbar junction, the crossbar/leading edge junction, another important component, is made in Ergal 7075, and again, by machining a solid block.
As mentioned above, this system, as well as being more visually attractive, offers a better strength/weight ratio.
The unit manufactured using this system is highly compact, and this has made it possible to optimize the wing profile at all VG configurations.

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Sprogs    look at the pictures above

The sprogs are made in carbon fibre, and they are connected to the crossbar-wing support by means of a threaded joint which permits precise adjustment. The decentralized position of the reinforcing cable ensures a minimal but significant degree of sprog compensation when activating the VG.

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Compensated Twist Tips

The Compensated Twist Tips system is an exclusive solution created by Icaro2000, enabling the outer swivel tips (which support the two outermost battens) a degree of contrary motion, even when the sail is in contact with the tips.
This situation occurs in Variable Geometry configurations from ½ to full on.

At these VG settings, wings of the previous generation did not permit any sail movement, and this caused a reduction in handling qualities.

In the Icaro2000 system, the tips are directly interlinked by means of a cable, so that they do not prevent the necessary sail movement.
Handling is notably improved when VG is half or fully tight.

In addition, stability is not affected, because the tips’ compensatory function – another exclusive Icaro2000 feature – operates equally effectively in these configurations.

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Outer leading edge section

The configuration of the outer leading edge section has been changed. In order to improve coordination of the hang glider’s flight behaviour, the axis of the outer leading edge section runs parallel to that of the internal leading edge section, and it is no longer swept forwards.
The preloaded effect that was previously attained by means of the latter design is now achieved by means of a different sail cut.

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Variable geometry

In wings with Bainbridge LSP sail, the VG range has been increased.
This further improves performance when VG is fully tight.
In addition, towards the rear of the keel pocket there is a small sheath that avoids any contact between the sail and the VG cord.

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Batten ends

The “snap lock” system is efficient and practical,and more aerodynamic, and it also permits the precise regulation of sail tension.

5
Optional competition features

The following optional components are available for pilots looking for even better performance characteristics

4
Rigid Frame (optional)

for the 13.2 and 13.7 sizes

For pilots for whom competition results are their primary objective, the two models can also be fitted with a frame with a longer crossbar, further improving the already excellent glide and thermalling performance.

The Rigid Frame option includes: the LSP sail, the MR A-frame Alluminium with the MR carbon speedbar, the new circular-section carbon crossbar and the carbon battens.

6
Aluminium competition A-frame   (optional)

The aluminium competition downtubes have a profile that includes a turbulator, which guarantees a low aerodynamic drag coefficient, and ensures the best possible performance/price ratio. As they are slightly longer than standard downtubes, they also give the glider better handling and stability. This A-frame is available with the MR carbon fibre bar, or with the new Aluminium Comp Speedbar.

7
All-carbon fibre competition A-frame with carbon-fibre MR Speedbar and profiled carbon-fibre downtubes (optional)

Ideal for a hang glider with no compromises. Downtubes in carbon fibre, with variable profile chord up to 88 mm, and ergonomic grips. Low weight, very low aerodynamic drag coefficient, and unique design: these factors make this A-frame a distinctive feature of a top glider. Available with the MR carbon fibre bar, or with the new Aluminium Comp Speedbar.

8
Aluminium competition speedbar (   (optional)

coming soon

With its attractive visual appearance and an optimized aerodynamic profile, this feature combines excellent performance with the strength of components machined from a solid block of Ergal.

9
MR carbon speedbar    (optional)

Aerodynamics, ergonomics, low weight. In your hands.

10
Circular-section carbon crossbar    (optional)

With new design and new fibre layout, this is lighter and stronger than the standard spar, providing an overall weight reduction of 800 grams.

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Carbon leading edge   (optional)

Carbon wings are designed to provide an increasingly optimized combination of handling characteristics and performance. They offer significant weight reductions and an approximately 10% increase in rigidity. The fusion of handling and performance.

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Carbon battens   (optional)

The carbon-fibre battens were introduced some time ago in order to reduce the weight of the hang glider.
However the concept underlying their use has now changed.
Carbon battens have a far higher rigidity when compared to aluminium battens. This means that the resulting airfoil offers a considerable increase both in pitch stability and in high speed performance.

The benefits offered by carbon fibre battens are particularly evident with a low sprog and tips setting.
In this configuration, the hang glider has a higher pitch stability even at a tight VG setting, with positive control bar pressure at all speeds.
An example: with aluminium battens, at a tight VG setting, and very low sprog and tips setting, control bar pressure is almost zero at about 90 km/h.
Flying the same hang glider in an identical configuration but with the new carbon fibre battens, the control bar pressure is positive at all speeds. In the Z9 with carbon fibre battens and a correctly-regulated configuration, control bar pressure will be light, but positive, even at 120 km/h.

Our carbon battens are 12 and 10 mm in diameter. The benefits that we have experienced using carbon battens are so exceptional that their adoption is more than justified, notwithstanding their high price. You will feel the difference.

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Carbon fibre stiffeners   (optional)

On the leading edge, 1.25 m long and ± 20 cm wide.
This component is inserted into the leading edge of the sail, and it prevents its deformation at high speeds.

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Tech Data Sheet
Sizes 
12.6 13.2 13.7 14.1 14.8
   
normal or rigid frame
Area m2
12.52 13.24 13.88 14.16 14.82
           
Nose Angle Deg.
132 132 132 134 134
           
Wingspan ml
9.61 10.05 10.05 10.54 10.54
           
Aspect Ratio  
7.38 7.63 7.28 7.85 7.50
           
Double Surface %
96 96 94 96 94
           
Battens upper+lower sail+2 fixed nose battens nr
22+4 24+6 24+6 26+6 26+6
           
Weight without glider bag kg
28.5 30.5 31 32.5 33
           
Pilot Hook-In Weight (min / max) kg
55/75 70/85 80/90 90/100 100/110
           
Suggested Pilot Hook-In Weight kg
70 83 88 97 105
Packing Bag Length ml
4.75 4.98 4.98 5.20 5.20
           
Short Packed Length ml
3.35 3.90 3.90 4.10 4.10
           
Certification  
DHV 3
 
 
The names and the logos Icaro, Icaro 2000 & 4fight are registrated trade marks
      For all of us at Icaro 2000, the name “4fight” has nothing to do with war.
In fact, we believe in peace and in man’s wellbeing. That is why we started manufacturing helmets for the protection of those who take part in extreme sports.
For us, “4fight” refers to the struggle with fear that we all go through at moments in which we accept a challenge.
An internal fight towards self-improvement and the attainment of seemingly impossible goals.
Our company is committed to continuously improving the safety, comfort and design of our products.
Therefore we reserve the right to modify the characteristics in any way, without any prior notice.

Nearly all photos on this website can be downloaded without any restrictions.
There is only a copyright if you read the name of the fotographer near the picture.

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