Canopy Glide
Canopy Glide is designed to help the understanding of how different canopy inputs affect the canopy glide ratio. Download it now! You will be able to use the program in Demo mode and purchase the full version right from the program for $29.99.
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Canopy Glide is designed to emphasize the change in the canopy glide.
This is best observed when canopy inputs on the right and left are applied together.
You use the mouse to control both toggles simultaneously.
The simulation responds to the mouse input as the canopy would respond to the toggle input.
This means that if you move the mouse slowly, the canopy pitch does not change, but the velocity of the canopy changes.
On the other hand, if you move the mouse quickly the canopy can be flared.
The change of canopy speed depends on the canopy size, the jumper's weight, applied input (even density of the air is used in the mathematical model).
Right mouse button click switches between different inputs: toggles, front risers, rear risers.
This allows to see that flare is not possible with the front risers, but it is possible with the rear risers.
You can see that applying front risers will increase the speed of the canopy and if the front risers are abruptly dropped, then the canopy starts leveling out.
On the other hand, if toggles are abruptly released, then the canopy surges forward and it is not possible to stop the surge quickly, hence it is not advisable to let go of the toggles if the final flare is a little high.
You can switch between side view and first person view by pressing a button (views can be switched back and forth at any time).
Side view allows you to understand what happens to the canopy in relation to the ground (it takes some time to understand that swinging under the canopy forward and back is called change in pitch, and too quick of the input will create a forward swing).
First person view allows you to see the environment as you will see it from under the canopy (use the mouse to look around as in a computer game, when the left button is pressed you can move the mouse up and down to control toggles or risers).
For example, this is useful to realize that looking at the horizon for landing flare is better than looking straight down.
Also, you can learn how to find the destination point.
After the landing you can compare trajectories from different jumps, which demonstrates how the canopy glide changes in different wind conditions or with different inputs.
All of the described phenomena are usually shown to the students using a few drawings in books, an occasional video, but mostly using fingers and verbal descriptions from the instructor.
Simulation allows you to change parameters and see if you understand the underlying principles.
The simulation demonstrates, for example, why it is dangerous to fly in high winds or how speed of the flare must be changed depending on the speed of the wind.
There is no other similar tool available to students or instructors.
Answers to these and many other questions can be found by using Canopy Glide. You may also want to check our forums for explanations of these questions.
It's important to understand that every mathematical model is an approximation of the reality. Our simulator is not an exception. We are using multiple methods to verify our mathematical models: comparison between real-life data (gps recordings, video recordings, etc.) and expert opinion are our major methods. Our models include multiple parameters such as air density, the strength of the wind, canopy size, jumper's weight, etc.
The following are just a few examples of the similarity between the simulation and what happens in real life:
Hold left mouse button and drag up/down to control your toggles or risers. You can not turn the canopy, see Features section for the explanation.
Use right mouse button to switch between toggles, front and rear risers.
Press key 1 or 2 to switch between first person view and side view.
You will be able to use the program in Demo mode and purchase the full version right from the program for $29.99.
If you are an instructor or Drop Zone operator and would like to use this software for training, please contact us for more information.
Video
Watch Trailer 1, Features explained. Watch more videos.
Features
Minimum requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need it?
Look at the following questions. You may benefit from this software if you are not sure what the answers to these questions are or it takes you a long time to answer any given question.
Is the simulation good enough?
Consider your alternatives: books and video recordings. Canopy Glide allows you to play with different parameters and see the results in real time. This is something that no book or video recording can offer.
How does it help?
Almost any activity can be divided into three stages:
This is how a simulation can help:
Read Canopy Flight Simulation for Education article at dropzone.com for more information.
How do I control the canopy in the simulation?
What are demo mode limitations?
The following are the limitations of the program in Demo mode.
Use Buy Now button from the main menu of the program to buy Canopy Glide for $29.99 and enjoy all the features right away.
Where can I find more information?
Our forums are available for you 24/7. Registration is quick and easy.
You can also refer to our support page for more information about different ways to get help.
Screenshots
Download
Canopy Glide Personal Edition Version 1.2 - Installer 27Mb (exe)