RC Gliders
RC gliders are a
fun and challenging segment of the radio control hobby. These airplanes can stay
up for hours, powered only by nature! They fly silently and gracefully, like
sailboats of the air. In addition they are among the simplest and most
economical type of rc vehicle to build, maintain and operate. There are a
few different types of rc glider.
Winches or “hi-starts”
are generally used to launch large thermal gliders, from a flat field,
and into rising currents of warm air (”thermals”). Thermals are
created by uneven heating of the ground. The challenge is to
ride these currents to stay up for a pre-determined time. There are
international contests that test this ability of the pilot, as well as
spot-landing skills.
Handlaunch
airplanes are thrown by hand from a flat field, and also flown into thermals.
Here the pilot needs good launch technique, as well as flying and landing
skills. Launch technique has borrowed from the track-and-field world, with
overhead javelin launches now being replaced by the discus launch
technique.
The slope glider
is actually thrown over the side of hill! This sounds like a silly thing
to do, but if there is sufficient wind and slope, the airplane will start flying.
Seagulls use the same principles to fly without flapping their wings. If
the wind direction and speed cooperate, flights of one (1) hour are well within
reach. Slope gliders can be light and stable airplanes, or heavy monsters
designed for strong winds, racing or aerobatics.
It’s an acquired skill
to read what the air is doing to get good flights, but when done correctly,
there is a real feeling of accomplishment. This is a large part of what
makes RC gliders such a unique and fulfilling hobby.
Visit the RC Airplane Advisor for more information about
RC Gliders.
This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given and all links left
intact.
Copyright©2005 RC Airplane Advisor
Andre is a regular contributor to the RC Airplane
Advisor:
http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com
