Drifter (oz15648)

About this Plan

Drifter. Hand launch glider model.

Quote: "The Drifter, by Dan Danieli. Indoors or outdoors, it's a champ. Designed to meet the WAM Limited size hand launch glider event, it performs well for all age levels.

The fastest growing event on the West Coast is limited size hand launch glider. This event has been held during the last contest season at the control-line contests sanctioned by the Western Associated Modelers. Since the flying, area available at most control-line contests is rather limited, a ten-inch wing-span restriction was imposed.

A glider this small must have a very light wing loading to squeeze out the longest possible duration. It must be clean and true to gain maximum altitude from the launch. Small designs must be extremely stable to withstand turbulence which might go unnoticed in a larger glider.

The Drifter will fill these needs. Although conventional in appearance, it is the result of fourteen previous variations. This glider requires very little weight to balance, is simple to adjust, and recovers nicely from even the poorest launch. It has the ability to 'stick' in the weakest rise. My six-year-old son Barry has never failed to place with this design. His wins include the Pacific Coast Jr Glider Championship.

These small gliders are just the thing to pep up interest in the old club. You city dwellers can fly them in any playground, park, or ball diamond.

March over to the balsa rack and pick out one sheet of 1/16 x 3 x 36, one sheet of 1/32 x 2 x 36, and one 3/16 x 3/8 x 36 strip. You now have material for three Drifters at a cost of 38 cents!

The construction is simple and self explanatory, but one word of caution; take your time, the wood is thin so sand slowly. A finished flying weight of 1/4 oz is average.

Balance and test glide until you start to get just a slight mush but no stall. Next, put in very slight rudder for turn. Strive for turns of about 30 ft in diameter. If turn is too tight bend just a little camber into the inner wing panel and that should .set you up. Launch up at a 60° angle with 45° bank. If model stalls, use down elevator and remove weight. Always use methods of trim which increase lift first. Add weight only as a last resort.

Youngsters should be able to toss the Drifter about 50 ft, adults to 85 or 100 ft. Indoor or still air times from these heights will be around 35 and 45 seconds. Outdoors, they do catch thermals, so put your name on them. Last minute flash from the author - the Drifter just set the new WAM record for this event of 2 minutes 47 seconds."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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