Cloud Sweeper (oz15984)

About this Plan

Cloud Sweeper. Simple hand launch glider model. Wingspan 16 in.

Quote: "A carefully designed hand launched glider that does not have to depend upon updrafts for sky-high performance. Could Sweeper, by George Brown

A PREVAILING misconception among many model builders is that the best performance with hand launched gliders is obtained from the larger types whose wing area ranges from forty square inches and over. Small gliders, it seems, possess neither the stability nor the soaring possibilities manifested by the larger ones. With the presentation of this month's glider, we attempt to dispel that theory by showing how anyone can build this little Cloudsweeper whose chief characteristics are grabbing altitude and staying there.

Our glider has a projected wing area of only thirty-five square inches and weighs .69 ounces. The short nose, high wing, long moment arm and deep undercambered airfoil section have been combined to make the little ship aerodynamically perfect as possible. This obviously, seems boastful, but nevertheless, taking it for what it is worth, here is the ship and following are instructions.

FUSELAGE: SELECT a piece of pine wood measuring 1/8 by 1/2 by 14 in. Trace the outlines of the body on this stick and with the aid of a sharp knife round off all the edges except where the wing mount and tail surfaces are to be cemented. The wing mount is situated above the fuselage. This is done so that a quick recovery is achieved after the model is launched into the air. The mount shown in side view is cut to shape from sheet balsa, sanded smoothly and cemented into position. If desired, it may be shaped from laminated pieces of 1/16 sheet.

WING PATTERN: TWO sheets of soft balsa each measuring 1/8 by 3 by 8 in are cut to the outlines provided on the plan drawing. Cut both wing panels to the identical shape and check before attempting to sand down for completion. Use a knife to shape the wing section and follow through with a medium grade of sandpaper. The airfoil section is completed with a final standing of finest grade paper.

To get the curved shape, blow your warm breath over the surfaces and keep bending the wing chord slightly until you find its pliability sufficient. Concentrate your breath over the leading edge first and as far back as 1/3 the chord distance. Hold the wing in this position until the moisture has dried. The same procedure is used in warping up the trailing edge..."

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