RC Strider
In late 1995, after a bunch of fiberglass-and-foam-wing hand-launch gliders, I needed a change of pace-more flight time with less work. A Two-Meter sailplane with a two- or three-piece wing (to fit behind the seat of my pickup) is the right size; built-up structure with two or three controls, to keep the cost down; a durable structure that will withstand a winch zoom launch; excellent soaring capabilities; and suitable for a beginner as a trainer that would survive the learning experience. With the purpose of the glider defined, let's look at the most important part of the glider: the wing, its airfoil, and planform. The foundation of performance is the airfoil. Richard Eppler's E-205 was selected because of its wide range of performance; gentle stall; it's thick enough for good spar depth; enough of the bottom is flat to make it easy to build and cover; and most of all, its long-proven history.
