RC Soaring
THE PICTURES this month are of a Ka 6e that Steve Betts built from a CNC Modellbautechnik kit. The column starts with a description of the museum-quality, built-up Scale kits from CNC Modellbautechnik. Then I'll review two Soaring videos: Lift Ticket from Dave Reese and Endless Lift 3 from Paul Naton. CNC Modellbautechnik makes high-end, built-up glider kits. US distributors of these kits are Endless Mountain Models (John Derstine) in the East and ShredAir (Dieter Mahlein) in the West. In
RC Soaring
YOUR DISTANCE vision not what it used to be? Do you ever have trouble working thermals with an aileron sailplane? Do you bump into a thermal but lose track of it before you want? Is it tough to fly smooth when the model gets far away? Do the polyhedral gliders consistently outclimb your aileron glider? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, I have a simple solution. It is possible to build aileron gliders that thermal as easily as polyhedral gliders.
Radio Control: Soaring
I started flying Radio Control gliders in 1981, before I was old enough to legally drive a car. If you are now trying to guess, I am younger than the average glider pilot (30). My early interest in glider aerodynamics and structures led me to seek degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. I now work as a scientist at Iowa State University, creating technology to make full-scale aircraft safer. I fly all phases of thermal soaring, and have competed in all types of glider events. Hand-launch gliders have provided me with the most enjoyment. The best lunch breaks I have are those with no food at all.
Radio Control: Soaring
HOT AND HUMID were understatements for Soaring week at the Nationals (Nats), July 24-31. Temperatures reached 100º, with heat indices averaging 110º. While most of the Midwest was staying indoors, 174 glider pilots were out flying in the sun. The sweltering daytime heat was accompanied by similar nights. Because of the minimal temperature differential, most of the thermals were weaker than typical Midwest thermals. These conditions made the super pilots stand out from the intermediate pilots. AMA provided an incredible site for Scale. The smooth blacktop runways in two directions were surrounded by lush, mowed grass.
Radio Control: Soaring
Martin Simons has announced that the fourth edition of Model Aircraft Aerodynamics has finally been printed. It's a must-have reference for model-airplane builders. This book covers all major aspects of aerodynamics, while assuming no prior knowledge of the subject. You can read about airfoils, planforms, wingtips, drag, propellers, turbojets, electric power, stability and control, and many other topics. A few of the new Soaring-related sections include dynamic soaring, the effect of wind on turning near the ground, the UIUC (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) wind-tunnel tests, and aerotowing. The appendices include coordinates for 180 popular airfoils.
