Rosatom has developed fiberglass for Fyodor Konyukhov's new paralyte

The resulting aerodynamic parameters of the parachute will make it possible to increase the maximum flight range from 900 to 1.2 thousand km in 8-14 hours.

The composite division of the Rosatom state corporation has developed glass and carbon fabrics for the fairing of a new two-seater paraglider, on which Russian traveler Fedor Konyukhov and pilot Igor Potapkin plan to fly to the North Pole and set a new world record. This was reported to TASS by the press service of the Konyukhov International Travel Center.

“I thank the Rosatom team for mutual understanding and comprehensive support of my endeavors. In my projects, I try to use Russian-made equipment and materials to the maximum. Now Russia has achieved great success in the production of high-quality carbon fiber, and I am truly proud of our manufacturers and engineers, thanks to whom Igor and I will fly to the North Pole for the record on a completely Russian paraglider with unique flight characteristics,” said Konyukhov, whose words are quoted in the message.

About the development

The fairing was designed by specialists from the advanced engineering school “Digital Engineering” of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The team of engineers was tasked with creating a durable and lightweight design that would protect pilots from hypothermia and also reduce fuel consumption. The resulting aerodynamic parameters of the parachute, according to engineers, will make it possible to increase the maximum flight range from 900 to 1.2 thousand km in 8-14 hours, however, the final flight length and time spent will largely depend on the weather and wind direction.

Structurally, the fairing consists of several separate elements: the lower part is shaped like a boat, the front part resembles a hood, and the side panels hide the 75-liter fuel tanks located on the sides. Every. The tanks, weighing only 2 kg each, are equipped with internal partitions to prevent sudden fuel flow during flight. The inside and outside of the tanks are additionally coated with special adhesive compounds to minimize the negative impact of fuel on the walls of the containers. The total weight of the structure was only 23 kg, which aroused considerable interest in the professional environment

"The paralete fairing was manufactured using vacuum infusion technology using composite materials such as unidirectional and multiaxial carbon fabric and bidirectional fiberglass fabric. The initial stage of production involves the creation of special matrices machined from multi-layer MDF panels on a milling machine according to a computer-specified program. Then the surface of the resulting cradle is polished manually and coated with a special wax that prevents the composite material from sticking to the wood. Next, carbon fiber and fiberglass are laid on the matrices in layers and in different directions to create stiffening ribs in especially stressed areas of the fairing body. The resulting “pie” is covered with a special bag while air is pumped out and polymer resin is pumped in. filling all voids in the material, the material hardens within 24 hours, after which the resulting elements of the fairing body undergo final manual processing before painting,” the center said.

About tests

A series of flight tests were carried out at the Krechevitsy airfield in the Novgorod region and will continue at the Turovo airfield in the Istrinsky district of the Moscow region until the parachute is sent to Murmansk for loading onto the icebreaker. An expedition from the Polar Travel Club will take the athletes to the starting point of the new record - the Franz Josef Land archipelago. From there, on July 6-7, travelers will begin their record flight towards the point of the geographic North Pole - 90 degrees north latitude. The launch location will be determined based on the actual ice conditions and weather conditions. The Club's expedition will take place on the world's most powerful nuclear icebreaker, "50 Let Pobeda".

Source: tass.ru