Project HLG: Zing Machine (oz15661)

About this Plan

Project HLG: Zing Machine. Hand launch glider model.

Note the article 'Project HLG' in July 1970 FM included plans for 3 different models. The Zing Machine appeared alongside the US Kid (oz15662) and the Flash (oz15663) all in the same article.

Quote: "PROJECT HLG by Dick Mathis, Tom Peadon and Kit Bays. Design philosophies put to the test: Zing Machine, the US Kid and Flash have it out in the Texas waste-lands. Three fine Hand-launch types and how they faired against the watch.

Introduction: The idea behind the project was to do a model airplane equivalent to an automotive magazine's road test. Wr. thought it would be a good way to present our designs and it sounded interesting. As co-editor of the 1969 NIFFS Symposium Yearbook, I had been impressed with the lack of actual flight data on models and this seemed like a good way to begin a new era of objectivity in model evaluation. What we ended up with is by no means good science, but it beats anything done so far in the popular magazines as far as comprehensive testing goes. The problem is that we generated much more information than we can report here. However, if there is enough demand from Flying Models readers, more data can be offered later. We also want to thank Flying Models for con-tinuing to be the best magazine for true model builders.

Follow us now as we describe the adventures of Project HLG from initial design phase to final results - through secret weapons, gold leaf decorations, mud, wind, and downdrafts. Pick your winner now and we will hold the results 'til last.

Preliminary Design Stage: We gave ourselves two months after which there would be a design 'freeze' so the evaluation could begin. All of us tried some new ideas and an air of secrecy began to prevail as we each tried to concoct the magic blend that would win the evaluation.

Within the last year I have experimented with gliders up to 22 in span but I settled on an 18 in 'square' configuration for our tests. Although the larger gliders have a visibility advantage and excellent glide, they require a near perfect launch for proper recovery and therefore seem less consistent. The elliptical planform with swept tips is efficient and seems to have a propensity to 'hunt' in the glide and then tighten the turn upon entering lift. ..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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