Ben Mullins Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 Hi all, I've just heard news that I have to make a glider for a compitition at school. The wing span has got to be less than 1.5 metres and it will be launched from a raised platform in a sportshall, the person who wins is the glider that travels the furthest. We have to design and make it our selves. Does anyone have any tips pointers or nudeges on how I should go about this?!Thanks in advance, Ben. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted June 8, 2008 Share Posted June 8, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Lewzey Posted June 9, 2008 Share Posted June 9, 2008 Use a good, high lift - low drag , wing section. The internet is helpful for this.keep the weight as low as possibleUse modern materials like carbon fibre when necessary, but don't overuse them.Most gliders have high aspect ratio wings e.g. 15:1 - 20:1Keep it simple - parralel chord wing, simple tail surfacescover it in a lightweight, but 'ding-resistant' materialand as a model builder/flyer try and win. I wish my school did comps like this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Mullins Posted June 9, 2008 Author Share Posted June 9, 2008 Hi, Thanks for the info, i was really surprised when i heard about the glider comp and it is a big sports hall! i've decided to buy a west wings merlin to see what the aerofoil and wings are like, and also the building method etc. Ill keep you posted on how I get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Satinet Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 west wings kits are nicely made. The build should be straight forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Green Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 EricAeromodeller is still available, but is in the pages of AMI.Not as good as RCM&E, but like most I guess I buy 2 - 3 mags a month.Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Chaddock Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I am sure building a Merlin will be a great help but your final success will depend on how you learn to get it to glide well and straight! There is a lot to learn.If you can get your Merlin to glide something like the length of your hall in no wind then build something similar, but different enough that it does not look like a straight copy! Remember most gliders have very similar shapes.A long time ago I designed & built a couple of models for my fellow students and they came 1st & 2nd in their competition. I was not even in their class! Naughty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Mullins Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Hi All,The Comp has been and past, we are not sure who has won yet but mine flew pretty well. We had the chance to come in possestion of £150 worth of vouchers, decided to get my vouchers from Sussex-Model-Centre. The Merlin glider was alot of help for me. Thanks for the advice. Now to see if I win. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Mullins Posted July 18, 2008 Author Share Posted July 18, 2008 Hey all, I WON!! YAY I just have to decide what to buy now!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Lewzey Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 nice one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted July 22, 2008 Share Posted July 22, 2008 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Mullins Posted July 22, 2008 Author Share Posted July 22, 2008 Thanks! I've decided, seen as im a beginner, to go and get an E-Flite Cub 25. a good second model after my easy star my instructor at the field says. I might (i will!) need to strengthen the UC for all tose heavy landings ill be making. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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