U float system

User Manual – Float System

The PPG Smoke U float rescue system is an industry-first cost-effective dual inflation system, split & sealed bladder design for paramotor, paragliding, SIV, and hang gliding pilots who fly over water.

Rooted in how your paramotor floats when unforeseen circumstances occur and utilizing genuine abrasion-resistant Cordura® fabric with a 10 point Velcro® mounting system – it installs in minutes and can add up to 300N of buoyancy in the advent of a water landing. A reusable design allows for easy repacking and recharging after a freshwater or saltwater incident.

Our evolved design incorporates tapered bladders. While inflated, the PPG Smoke U Float is distinctly larger at the top, like a V, allowing for the bulk of volumetric displacement to be distributed where it matters most, behind your head.

How It Works

Designed for a range of possible flight applications across paramotor, paragliding, and hang gliding it’s easily adaptable to a variety of installation scenarios. During a water landing, “bobbins” can dissolve releasing a puncture needle into the CO2 cartridge, inflating the bladder, and creating buoyancy.

Floatation is created by two individual (1x left, 1x right) bladders capable of a combined inflation capacity up to 300N of displacement. More than twice the size of an adult life jacket. Alternatively, each bladder can be manually inflated in two ways. An oral inflation tube on each unit (left and right) and a manual inflation pull-string.

Mounting

Installation scenarios vary by application. The U Float System is suitable for use on most paramotor frames and includes 10 attachment points for various configurations. It’s universal enough to adapt to various frame widths or even harness shoulder straps. Mounting should be clear of obstruction, reserve routing, easily accessible in an emergency, and the bladder must be puncture free. It’s subtle in design, and seamingly disappears until you need it.

Dual 33g Co2 inflation system

An industry first in this shape, with redundancy where it counts most. The left and right bladders are separate heat-welded chambers. This split design adds a significant degree of comfort in what can be an uncomfortable situation, leaving ample room for the pilot’s head.

New bladder material

Complementary to our two-piece float system, we chose a variant material that allows for a little bit more flexibility in its application. With the addition of the tapered bladder, the way the system packs and deploys was a huge consideration.

Weight-shift or fixed-arms

Rather than designing for a specific use case, we’re introducing a slightly narrower overall width. Similar designs rely on a larger overall width and frame-based attachment that moves the entire system lower vertically, obstructing weight-shift systems.

Super nuts

We took a close look at the inflation system itself. By implementing a larger overall radiused nut and setting torque specs on the factory line, we’ve improved the way Co2 exits the cartridge into the bladder.

Double overlock

Every thread counts, and after feedback from industry pro’s we’ve landed on a stitch pattern that gives pilots the desired quality and security we need.

Reserve friendly

Safety is a priority, and as you can imagine, in an unforeseen situation, throwing your reserve may be necessary. The vertical design of the U Floats mounting system allows for attachment that works with, or works around your existing reserve setup.

Recharging

Unscrew the bobbin end cap and CO2 cartridge and dispose of the used CO2 cartridge, bobbins, and release clips. Unscrew the valve nut, compress the bladder and remove all CO2 inside. Screw-in the valve nut. Install the replacement clip, screw in the CO2 cartridge, and insert the replacement bobbins – screw in the bobbin end cap.

Includes

1x U Float
2x 33g CO2 cartridges
2x Bobbins
2x Clips

Specifications

U Float Dimensions: 495mm wide X 635mm X 19mm
U Float Weight: 777g without CO2
CO2 Cartridge Weight: 137g ea, 276g total

Legal Disclaimer:

In no event shall our company be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special consequential damages to property or life, whatsoever arising out of or connected with the use or misuse of our products.

This device is NOT A LIFE JACKET! User ASSUMES ALL RISK of injury or death. No express or implied warranties are made concerning its use or performance. This device is NOT A SAFETY DEVICE nor does it conform to any U.S. Coast Guard, National, International or ISO standards. This device is not for recreational use and should only be worn by users under constant observation. The buoyancy and its distribution in the device are NOT sufficient to float a conscious or unconscious person.