Multihole Probe for High-Performance Paraglider-Harness/Pilot Systems

This paper presents a multi-hole probe system developed for evaluation of high-performance paragliders-harness systems. The device integrates three differential pressure sensors, a barometric sensor and a three-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). The differential pressure sensors connected to the probe’s ports allow the calculation of the flight dynamic pressure, as well as the angles of attack and sideslip, while the IMU provides attitude information. The probe is mounted on one of the paraglider’s front suspension lines, at a position between the canopy and the harness/pilot selected to minimize aerodynamic interference and simplify the installation. Wind tunnel calibration of the probe was conducted for flow velocities from 4.71 m/s to 25.05 m/s and angles of attack and sideslip within ±30°. The calibration uncertainties were within ±1.2° for angles and ±0.23 m/s for velocity inside the ±10° range at 12.5 m/s. Additionally, flight tests were conducted for in-flight validation using a Niviuk Peak 6 paraglider with Niviuk Arrow harness. The results showed satisfactory consistency of the data obtained from the different sensors. A trim velocity of 10.38 m/s and a glide ratio of 12.02 were measured, while at full speed these values increased to 16.98 m/s and decreased to 7.05, respectively. These are in line with those expected for the paraglider under testing.