DLS

DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE

DLS stands for DURABLE LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURE and represents our new development philosophy. This involves a large number of small but crucial innovations. The total effect is a considerable reduction in weight, even though robustness and durability remain at the previous high level.

Light but still robust and long lived

The goal of DLS is to reduce weight without compromising a wing’s long life and robustness. Our new DLS products are fully intended for everyday use, yet are very light. They offer the long lifespan you have come to expect, without requiring special care. This factor is what sets our DLS wings apart from ultralight products.

Ultralight

WEIGHT

DURABILITY

DLS

WEIGHT

DURABILITY

Classic

WEIGHT

DURABILITY

Optimised in the right places

Although highly-loaded components are still made from a proven, robust and low-stretch material mix, DLS takes a closer analytical look at less stressed areas. We now manufacture more of these from high-quality but relatively lightweight materials.

LEADING EDGE

Made from very robust and
well-proven Skytex 38gm fabric.
Supports strong aerodynamic
stress and is permanently
exposed to UV light.

UPPER SURFACE

Made from robust and trusted
Skytex 32gm or 38gm fabric.
Withstands laying out, takeoff and
packing wear and is exposed
to UV light in flight.

STRESSED PROFILES

Are very susceptible to
permanent deformation so are
made of extremely robust
and low-stretch double-coated
Skytex 40 for DLS products.

LESS STRESSED PROFILES

Less stressed profiles are
made of lighter 32 gm Skytex,
also in double-coated quality.

LOWER SURFACE

Made from light Skytex 27 gm cloth.
Little mechanical or aerodynamic
stress and not directly exposed
to UV light.

Less fabric, same strength

Numerous, very specific material savings add up to a striking weight reduction in DLS, without weakening the structural strength of the interior. These geometric optimisations were made possible by flow and deformation analyses - developed specially. Three examples:

Bone shaping for span tension straps

Tension straps are an essential element of the paraglider structure. Their disadvantage: they add considerable weight. That is why we at DLS have worked on "bone shaping", and have slimmed down the surface area of the tension straps by 22%, without compromising their ability to keep their shape over the wing’s lifetime.

OPTIMAL CUTOUTS IN STRUCTURAL PARTS

DLS weight-saving attention is paid to even the smallest components. For example, lightening holes in the many trailing edge mini-ribs saves 43% of redundant surface area.

DIAGONAL AREA EFFICIENCY

For 15 years ADVANCE has actively pursued fabric surface reduction and ideal tension orientation for its diagonals. This experience is now being put to good use at DLS, so that we can also fully exploit the development potential in this area.

Change to ultra-light wings? There is an alternative: Durable Lightweight Structure (DLS) refines structural design and material choice for our gliders – in new focussed detail. The result: significant weight reduction without losing robustness and durability.

CONSEQUENT DLS ORIENTATION

DLS also makes our risers and accessories lighter. Weight savings also apply, but again maintain our traditions of daily ruggedness and long life.

LIGHTPACK DLS

A new LIGHTPACK DLS can be ordered directly with a DLS wing. Available in 81 or 91 litre size.

LIGHT RISERS

DLS wings can be ordered with optional light risers including softlinks. A further 150 gms of weight reduction results.

COMPRESSBAG DLS

A new COMPRESSBAG DLS matches our DLS gliders. This minimum weight inner bag is part of the delivery package.

An insight from our team

Development means teamwork at ADVANCE. Our engineers and test pilots personally tell you about the background of DLS, and how they bring it to life.

DLS BELONGS IN THE LIGHT CATEGORY

The light glider category is now divided into ultra-light, light and semi-light. Our new DLS products belong to the light category in terms of weight, but have the everyday suitability of previous semi-light or normal products.