Photo by ADVANCE | SIGMA 6 · Discover your 6th sense
Unsung heroes – the ADVANCE development team Our vision has always been to develop, manufacture and sell products as a team. The results of our teamwork mean that, also in conjunction with our partners, we will be able to continue shaping the paraglider market actively and attractively! This unique philosophy has turned ADVANCE into a brand with individual character – always at the forefront in terms of technology, safety, service and performance. German aerodynamicist Thomas Ripplinger is a long-standing member of the ADVANCE team. Although his original role was simply to act as a background advisor, he has already contributed his enormous aerodynamic knowledge as development manager of the OMEGA 6, SIGMA 6 and Chrigel Maurer’s current European Championship wing. Thomas’s technical and organisational expertise is the perfect complement to the existing outstandingly well-matched team. He is a qualified aerospace engineer and worked previously as team leader in product development at MTU AeroEngines GmbH, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler. When it comes to putting the ideas and specifications into practice, however, what also counts in the development is the expertise of the team as a whole. Personal dedication together with the test pilots’ many years of experience are the hallmarks of this professionalism. With commitment to quality and functionality, this team documents details and modifications, develops, tests and carries out improvements until they achieve perfection. Their skill combines technology with practical experience and sets standards in safety and performance. ADVANCE can count on the many years of collaboration with highly experienced pilots such as Andy Hediger, Steve Cox and Christian Maurer. They and other members of the ADVANCE competition team engage in testing under the watchful eye of Kari Eisenhut. With this in mind, we are convinced that we can also maintain our success in the long term, as a proven brand with individual character.
« The success of the SIGMA 6 is the result of the personal dedication of the entire team, job satisfaction and the fun of flying – in this respect, nothing has changed to date! »
The new SIGMA – the improvements over its predecessor
DynamicPlus
PerformancePlus
SaftyPlus
HandlingPlus
DesignPlus
ConstructionPlus
Its agility lives up to the well-known SIGMA character – it responds to steering inputs directly and with great precision, its “thermal bite” utilises even weak upcurrents to climb effortlessly and facilitates flat turns. The SIGMA 6 responds forgivingly to imprecise manoeuvres. Its more efficient profile and slightly increased aspect ratio pay dividends. With the greater performance compared to its predecessor, the SIGMA 6 has significantly better gliding and climbing characteristics. Whether in trim speed or accelerated, it again sets standards in its category. Even and fast re-inflation without stalling or overshooting – the SIGMA 6 also proves itself as a topintermediate with the desired perfect take-off characteristics. The high canopy stability with optimised internal wing pressure makes the wing easily controllable and delights pilots with its balanced behaviour in turns. The lower brake pressure compared to the SIGMA 5 makes for sensitive flying. The precise brake travel enables immediate implementation of the commands act directly, sensitively and meet the expectations of short brake travel.
The SIGMA 6 offers an aesthetic yet sporty appearance. The new SIGMA graphic at the wingtips rounds off its elegant look and leaves an unmistakable impression. Four selected colour combinations make pilots’ hearts beat faster and also address the aspects of maximum safety and longevity.
The adapted line geometry achieves what it sets out to do: reduced air resistance, simplified line control as well as efficient acceleration are the outstanding points. Optimised risers in two different lengths ensure easy and safe handling even when flown by smaller pilots.
SIGMA 5 and SIGMA 6 – what are the differences? The development goal for the SIGMA 6 was based on the example of its predecessor. This served as a yardstick in terms of safety, handling and take-off characteristics. With this new top-intermediate we fully meet the requirements set out: its improved gliding performance, better climb and more dynamic profile make the SIGMA 6 no more demanding than its predecessor. Its low brake pressure and the smooth speed system round off the overall appearance of the latest wing. The significant reduction in total line length and improved line geometry also make the SIGMA 6 attractive to cross-country pilo
SIGMA 6 – At a glance
same
Start
Inflates easily and quickly, rises without any overshooting
Handling
Precise brake control / direct and fine
Brake control
Less brake pressure than SIGMA 5, delights with it’s balanced behaviour
Manoeuvrability
Responds to steering inputs directly and with great precision
Dynamism
Agility as the well-known SIGMA character, responds forgivingly to imprecise manoeuvres
Stability
The high canopy stability with optimised internal wing pressure makes the wing easily controllable, also accelerated
Performance
Greater performance due to more efficient profile and increased aspect ratio, whether in trim speed or accelerated
Behaviour
Balanced and easy wing with great “thermal bite”
Speed
Extremely smooth in operation, derived from the OMEGA 6
better
much better
Flying characteristics Numerous comparison flights and meticulous tests confirmed that the new wing lives up to expectations. Even in extreme situations, the SIGMA 6 always remains controllable, is good-natured in its reactions and fulfils the needs of many pilots for the greatest possible degree of passive safety. Its precise brake handling and the high canopy stability assist the pilot in brake responses after collapses. The SIGMA 6 has very good pitch stability, which has an extremely positive effect on the glide performance, especially in turbulent air.
Pilot requirements Extract from the paraglider classification instructions by the German paraglider association DHV: Category 2
– Paragliders with demanding flying characteristics and dynamic responses to disturbances and pilot errors. For pilots with regular flying experience.
The top performance intermediate SIGMA 6 belongs to the latest generation of cross-country paragliders and is unsuitable for training as its classification indicates. The canopy is suited to experienced and independent pilots. The SIGMA 6 pilot possesses the necessary flying sensitivity, already has experience in cross-country flying and masters the descent techniques which may be required. Pilots moving up into the next class will quickly find themselves at home. The SIGMA 6 provides the necessary safety to enable the pilot to further develop his ability. Thanks to its balanced take-off behaviour, the SIGMA 6 is also suited to Alpine use.
Technical innovations Developed as a up-market glider, the SIGMA 6 is built with a very precise and sophisticated technology that gives it an exceptional, dynamic behaviour, agility and precision imparting an unique balance. Every cell wall receives a reinforcement : in diagonal for those coming from the lines attachment points, as a bridge for those between 2 cells without line. This reduces the deformations of the wing, takes out the rippling movements, increases stability and solidity. We bring again to the world closed cells on the leading edge. They make the leading edge more solid, and the air movements and pressures in the glider are more uniform. A compression strap is sewn between each profile/line attachment point, on the A and D lines. Thus the space between each cell remains the same, whether the wing is braked or not, making turning performance uniform and consistent. There are also some compression straps between some B and C lines, between the profiles which receive lines not linked to the same main line.
The three-level suspension lines have been optimized to reduce drag, making it easier to untangle and giving more efficiency to the speed-system. The main lines levels are : 3 A, 3 B, 3 C + Stabilo, 2 D.
Construction details As usual at ADVANCE, even the smallest details were important. The OMEGA 6 is meticulously built, incorporating: •
All internal stitching
•
The leading and trailing edges are reinforced with a Mylar border
•
The winglets on the wing tips are aerodynamic elements but also ADVANCE signature
•
The lines remain in the correct position on their small quick links with the incorporation of a plastic clip
•
The brake handles are reinforced, easy to take hold of, and comfortable. They incorporate swivel links to prevent twists in the brake lines and have magnetic snaplocks to fix them on the risers
•
The wing tips have a Velcro opening for removing debris
•
The braking system is optimised with rings that activate the braking on the wing tips first
Innovations Improved risers With the SIGMA 6, risers are now being offered in two different lengths. For easier and safer handling by smaller pilots, canopy sizes 22 and 26 are being equipped with shorter risers (difference 4 cm) than the canopy sizes 28 and 31. This makes the lines easier to reach when airborne.
Efficient and smooth speed system with SPI The SIGMA 6 speed system enables an increase in speed of up to 15 km/hr. The system is designed in such a way that on pressing the speed system, the A, B and C levels shorten by different amounts; thus an optimum canopy form is maintained even in accelerated flight. The system is very smooth in operation thanks to the well designed pulley arrangement. Its effective mode of operation enables a excellent glide performance, even at high speeds.
Speed-Performance-Indicator · SPI A speed/performance scale which is printed on each D riser assists to determine the optimum speed system position. SPI is the link between practise and theory, so you are always flying at the optimum cruising speed !
Accelorator at trim speed
Due to the special pulley system, the wing can be lightly accelerated up to the first stage with bent knee’s.
In the second stage the accelerator can be used efficiently all the way up to the top speed using less bent knee’s without any actual force assistance of the pulleys.
Line geometry The line geometry has been refined for the SIGMA 6. A 80-metre reduction in total line material means less resistance, improved line control and effective translation of the speed system to the wing profile.
Certification Our priority is always the flying behaviour. The certification tests are, with ADVANCE, the final step in the development of a new wing. We will make them only when we are satisfied with the wing, aeronautically speaking. The design requirements we set for the SIGMA 6 have been reached. » The SIGMA 6 is certified according to DHV 2 with the speed system The certification reports will be available on the ADVANCE website : www.advance.ch
The ADVANCE harness The SIGMA 6 can be flown with any harness. However, we recommend the use of an ADVANCE harness from the PROGRESS or SUCCESS model series (the latter with DHV certification). Just like ADVANCE paragliders, ADVANCE harnesses are unique products, manufactured exclusively from quality materials. All models were developed by our R & D Team as a result of countless flying hours and belong to the latest generation of paraglider harnesses. The ADVANCE harnesses are the only paraglider harnesses so far developed for ADVANCE paragliders. It goes without saying that they can be used when flying any other paraglider. The positioning of the attachment points, the arrangement of the straps, the quick-buckles, the easily adjustable harness position, the free-sliding shoulder straps as well as the simplicity of the design, all contribute to ADVANCE harnesses being amongst the leading products on the market today.
Colours We have emphasised the design of the SIGMA 6 and the elegance of its profile with a unique colour line. The series production SIGMA 6 is being offered in four selected colour combinations. We are confident that this will make this wing highly recognisable in the air, boosting its image even further. This will attract attention to the glider and also make it stand out from our other models. The unique insignia on the wing-tips, particularly dessigned for the SIGMA 6, underlines it’s inspiring character.
SIGMA 6 colours
WHITE
Leading edge + winglets Stripe Top surface + bottom surfacde
Yellow Blue White
TURKIS
Leading edge + winglets Stripe Top surface + bottom surfacde
Blue White Turquoise
ORANGE
Leading edge + winglets Stripe Top surface + bottom surfacde
Yellow Blue Orange
RED
Leading edge + winglets Stripe Top surface + bottom surfacde
Blue White Red
Technical details SIGMA 6
22
26
28
31
Flat surface
m2
21.95
26.00
27.63
31.05
Projected surface
m2
18.91
22.37
23.77
26.71
Span
m
10.88
11.93
12.30
13.04
Projected span
m
8.76
9.59
9.89
10.48
Aspect ratio
5.48
5.48
5.48
5.48
Projected aspect ratio
4.11
4.11
4.11
4.11
Max chord
m
2.48
2.72
2.80
2.97
Min chord
m
0.56
0.62
0.64
0.67
61
61
61
61
Number of cells Take off weight (pilot, wing, equipment)
kg
55 - 80
70 - 95
85 - 110
100 - 130
Maxi length of the lines with the risers
m
7.17
7.59
7.82
8.29
Weight of the glider
kg
5.6
6.5
6.9
7.4
Min speed
km/h
23
23
23
23
Max speed without speed-system
km/h
39
39
39
39
Max speed with speed-system
km/h
54
54
54
54
m/s
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
Min sink rate Glide *
8.8 - 9.2
Surface, span and aspect ratio are calculated from the computer and are measured on the axis of the profile. *
The performance data for the Glide angle of the Sigma 6 are dependant upon the position of the pilot, the aerodynamic style of the harness and the type of clothing worn (eg: Speed arms).
Which size for which pilot - a helping hand 55 ...
60 ...
65 ...
70 ...
75 ...
80 ...
85 ...
90 ...
95 ...
100 ...
105 ...
110 ...
115 ...
120 ...
125 ...
130 ...
SIGMA 6/22 • Weight range 55 - 80 kg
SIGMA 6/26 • Weight range 70 - 95 kg
SIGMA 6/28 • Weight range 85 - 110 kg
SIGMA 6/31 • Weight range 100 - 130 kg
Legende
They grey bar shows the whole weight range of the modell The dynamic side of the SIGMA 6 – The pilot flies the glider in the upper weight range and he prefers a direct handling The thermal side of the SIGMA 6 – The pilot flies in the lower weight range, prefers a softer character with maximum performance
Flying Acro with the Sigma 6 On initial view the SIGMA 6 appears to be a very dynamic but well behaved wing that would suit acro flying purposes. The development of the wing however had characteristics for cross country and thermal flying in sight. It has been neither structurally strengthened nor tested at higher than usual G loadings. Naturally you can fly wonderful wing overs and loops with the SIGMA 6. But remember that such manoeuvres stress the wing more and the longevity of the wing is greatly reduced. Obviously greater pilot skill is a pre-requisite for pilots who wish to perform Acro.
Manoeuvre
no worries
Wingover Spiral dive Assymmetrical spiral Loop / Reversal SAT Assymmetrical SAT Tumbling Deep stall / parachutal stall Tail Glide Spin Mysti Flip Helicopter McTwist
IMPORTANT : ADVANCE does not recommend the SIGMA 6 as an Acro glider.
neutral
demanding
The materials The SIGMA 6, like all ADVANCE products, is produced as the result of the latest developments and experience in the sport. All the materials used for the paraglider have been carefully selected in order to allow our products an excellent longevity. The materials are systematically tested and all canopies undergo quality control testing. The life of a wing may vary in big proportion according to the care given to the utilisation and maintenance. Upper surfaces, leading edge and cell ribs : Nylon NCV New Skytex 6.6, 44 gr/m2 Lower surfaces: Nylon NCV New Skytex 6.6, 40 gr/m2 Reinforcement of the leading edge and trailing edge : Polyester/Mylar 20 mm Reinforcement of the leading edge lower surface : Polyamid 16 mm Suspension lines : Liros, Dynema 0.95 mm (1st level) Liros, Dynema 1.15 mm (2nd level) Edelried, Aramid 2.1 mm / 1.9 mm / 1.5 mm (3rd level) Risers : Polyester 22 mm, 1100 kg Quick links : Inox 3,5 mm, 750 kg
