Authors: Gary Hinze
Date Submitted: March 31, 2009
Article Type: Discourse

Aeromodelers are familiar with towed gliders. The model glider is towed to some height and released from the towline to glide down. Rather than run with the towline, the glider could be launched into a wind and flown at the end of the line as a kite, without releasing it from the line.

Thirty years ago, the availability of inexpensive, expanded polystyrene gliders of four and a half foot wingspan gave me the opportunity to try this idea without risking the destruction of a meticulously constructed balsa and tissue glider. Several such gliders were available, and they may still be found in hobby shops, toy stores, and on the internet. [1]They come poly bagged with four parts that slip together: a fuselage, a tailplane, and two wings.

It is advisable to reinforce weak spots with strapping tape. The narrowest part of the tail boom and the fuselage at the wing leading and trailing edge are the most likely places for breaks. Breaks are easily repaired with white glue and strapping tape.

Page Number: 57
PDF Link: Discourse Issue