Gondola (oz3345)

About this Plan

Gondola. A/2 Nordic glider design by Larry Conover. Area 435 sqin. Unusual in structure. This plan was printed in Flying Models Decade of Designs (1), published 1960.

Quote: "Nordic A/2 flying booms in free-flight circles and smooth flying ships like this one are a reason why. Gondola Glider by Larry Conover.

A good Nordic A/2 design is a series of compromises. You have to allow for varied weather conditions. Aspect ratio should be high enough (about 12:1) for low induced drag. Yet, the wing must withstand windy weather towing. You must also have good deadair potential. This depends on using the right wing section, again aspect ratio, and a low drag aircraft.

Tow stability is essential. It is not enough to get to the top of the line and release. You must be able to control the glider while hunting for thermals. Proper placement of lateral area, and tow hook determine this.

Simplicity in design is desirable in America since few of us will devote all our time to only one event per year.

Construction of the Gondola is not difficult so we will just touch on high points. Dotty, the distaff side made the first test model and then flew it successfully in contests for three years.

The wing section is the result of an experiment to make a flat bottomed airfoil do the job of an undercambered one. The advantage in construction is evident. After the entire wing is made, dihedral is installed, then the flapped trailing edge is added. This is cemented in panel lengths and must be hard 'C' stock with the grain running chordwise.

The turned up 'ears' on the wing tips help move the wing tip vortex further out thus increasing your effective aspect ratio. They allow lower dihedral on the main wing.

The airfoil is a special self turbulating design. It must be made exactly as shown with sharp leading edge, and multi-spar top (no planking allowed)..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 25/03/2013: Added an alternative (maybe cleaner too) version of the plan inc OCR text article, thanks to rchopper56.

Supplementary file notes

Alternative version of the magazine print plan, inc OCR text article.

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