Nebula (oz8722)

About this Plan

Nebula. Radio control sailplane model. Wingspan 109in, area 926 sq in.

Quote: "This sailplane is the result of a real team effort by two friends. Many, many hours were spent discussing, arguing, sketching, cutting and building. The labor expended in those hours was amply repaid when the Nebula was launched into its first flight and it looked like we had a winner. When the fifth flight lasted over ten min, from a hi-start launch, we were sure that the total effort had been worthwhile. Here, we explain the design theory behind the Nebula's configuration and construction.

Our most important goal was, of course, good contest performance. Also desired was a realistic, modern appearance and an easy, quick construction method. To achieve good performance, we had to have a conservative, conventional design approach. We're not trying for a radical breakthrough - just a good (hopefully optimum) combination of proven design features.

Based on our experience with other designs plus observations at contests, we settled on certain features - the airfoil would be an Eppler 387 with a flat bottom. Every design must be a compromise for weather conditions and other variables, and we felt the airfoil chosen is the best all-around performer for wind penetration and still air floating. To keep floating ability, we want plenty of wing area - the Nebula has 930 sq in. We are convinced that, for our model sizes, a low aspect ratio is better, so our wing here has an aspect ratio of 13 to 1 that's low compared to many current designs... "

Nebula, American Aircraft Modeler, February 1974.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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