Outdoor Contest Glider (oz16646)

About this Plan

Outdoor Contest Glider. All-sheet hand launch glider model. Wingspan 18 in.

Quote: "The Flying Aces Outdoor Contest Glider, by Julius Unrath. Here's an outdoor glider that will win contests for you! It's a special FLYING ACES model - and watch it in the air. Extra weight in the nose gives it the power to soar in a breeze.

IN the August issue of FLYING ACES, I stressed the fact that a pusher glider has the advantage of not requiring weight in the nose. This may be an advantage indoors, but outdoors it is a decided disadvantage. I found, much to my disappointment, that the added weight a tractor has gives it the necessary momentum to soar in a breeze, whereas a pusher merely flounders around, trying to circle. The type of glider appearing in this issue is of the conventional type. The model is balanced longitudinally by lead. If more weight is needed, modeling clay should be added to the nose.

WING, FUSELAGE AND TAIL: The wing is made from a piece of 3/16" flat balsa, which is cut to shape and sanded down to the correct airfoil. Three coats of dope should next be applied. Take care to brush it well into the wood. Before applying the last coating, sand the wing and rub it off carefully with a flannel rag so that no dust remains. When you have finished this, the final coating may be applied. This consists of two coats of gloss. The type I used was given me by an auto mechanic who said it was used as a final coating in painting a car. The gloss may best be applied by spraying. When it has thoroughly dried, the wing should be rubbed down with 'Simonize Kleener,' then 'Simonize.' A finish as smooth as glass will result. The fuselage (3/16 x 9/16), tail surfaces (1/32 flat) and the center-section (3/16 flat) are finished in the same manner as the wing.

FLYING THE MODEL: After obtaining a flat glide, launch the model outdoors. When launching, hold the model in the right hand, and as near the center of gravity as possible. With the top of the wing facing away from you, launch across your body. This, if done correctly, will cause the model to circle to the right. Flights vary from 30 seconds to many minutes, and the model often passes out of sight if conditions are good. Please inclose a stamp when asking for information."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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