Molded sailplane question

[capt soap]

When I look at the various web-sites selling there composite ships. I notice
most are avalible in a glass version,or for $150+ more you can get a carbon version. Is it worth it to go all carbon? Will a glass version handle hard zoom
launches without blowing up on winch ? Lee :D

[dephela]

Get a glass version first.
If it blows up, spend more money on a new carbon job. :rolleyes:

[e-sailpilot86]

I've seen people ride up a 3M moldie on a 6v winch full power, on 200lb test wire, without letting up the full length of the launch. :eek: No exploded planes yet, and they weren't all carbon. Just focus on getting something that'll match your flying ability well, looks good to you, something you'll fly a lot, as many of them are plenty strong for the casual pilot. :) Personally, I really like the moldies, but my skill and senses are better set with a wide chord, vintage, floater type plane. I seem to do best with those, I'd have some learning to do on a $1500+ plane! Go with a glass plane.

[F3X]

Hello,
In most cases carbon skins are there for extra torsion rigidity and add nothing for bending strength BUT most builders when they offer a carbon skinned version also add spar structure as well. This all adds up to a heavier but stiffer model. If you stay with the proven designs and look at what is working at the contests you will see a lot of 3.1meter moldies with glass skins around 65~70oz and will take all the launch you can give it.
A stiff, strong and light TD model takes some skill to manufacture.
As if carbon is needed. If you are really flying F3J then YES. If AMA TD or sport flying I would say no.

[capt soap]

Thanks guys for the answers. My use of the glider would be 75% sport flying ,25%
ama td contests flying. I use to fly in ama td contests many yrs ago, may compete
again. I just dont want a $1000.0 plane blowing up on launch because I went cheap by $150.oo . Lee

[R. Carver]

Thanks guys for the answers. My use of the glider would be 75% sport flying ,25%
ama td contests flying. I use to fly in ama td contests many yrs ago, may compete
again. I just dont want a $1000.0 plane blowing up on launch because I went cheap by $150.oo . Lee

If it blows up anywhere it'll be in a speed run, not the launch. If you like to put the nose down and go fast every now and then, spring for the carbon :)

[torcgolf]

hey lee, are you ready to buy now? if so, i wouldnt worry too much about getting an all carbon ship just get something that's got a reputation for being contest worthy. sure they're tougher but like carver says if it's gonna go, it's gonna go during a speed run or... *gulp* kissing the ground before a hard winch launch.

[capt soap]

Torc, Payday has come, medical bills first, then the new plane....cant wait. Lee

[DrFragnasty]

Go for the carbon version; you'll get:

Stiffer wings on zoom ping = higher launches

Greater hangar-rash resistance



I'm the proud owner of a Breta Furio; full-pedal launches in stiff
breezes don't make the slightest impression on dihedral angle.

Greater peace of mind = more confident pilot = safer

regards,
Chris

[histarter]

My version of the GL was designed for pedal to the metal with a 6 volt winch! When I built winches at the time they were a long shaft Ford 12 volt starter motor running on 6 volt batteries - that made the club at the time (1975) accept them as replacement for the high start. When I talked them into using 12 volts for improved reliability, and superior launching power they then permitted the 2 speed version - 6v for the soft launch, 12v for the hard - pilot to select (1978). By 1980 the 12v winch was standardized (no more battery tapping or series wound motors), and it took less than 5 years before the PM motor became dominant. Today the rare earth magnet motor, with low resistance windings for high EMF impedence (due to high flux RPM regulation) is the king - with over 4 to 1 stall to run ratios. They are magnificent and expensive - just what an affluent society needs! :D

The most spectacular high speed blowup I witnessed was a heavy 'Bird of Time' screaming accross the sky at about 1500 feet - until wings disintegrated as if they hit something solid, and fuse became a (dangerous) huge lawn dart! :eek:

[capt soap]

Bird of time>>> built up wing. I can see why it blew up. My obeechi ships would do fine in dives at 100-120 mph with no sign of problems, so I would see why a glass ship
wouldnt at the same speed? Lee

[capt soap]

Well without starting another thread, my question to you guys, is how fast is safe for
a glass ship, and for a carbon ship? 100mph, and 130 ?

[R. Carver]

Well without starting another thread, my question to you guys, is how fast is safe for
a glass ship, and for a carbon ship? 100mph, and 130 ?

With a glass ship, when the whistle stops increasing in pitch you better watch out :eek:
With a nice carbon layup you can keep on truckin' :D

Another thing to keep in mind is the layup of the fuse. The fuse gets stressed considerably at speed, and if it's laid up too light it could buckle.
FWIW, I would guess my Thermal Millennium (light layup) was at about 120 when it disentegrated. I've seen a light layup Hera blow it's tips off at about 110.

[DrFragnasty]

Here's my new toy...Furio

All carbon; flies like a dream; good for slope, F3F, F3B not so hot for thermal...a tad heavy. Being carbon, it's strong. Dings that left an impression in fibreglass skins on my older models are no longer an issue with the Furio...I know...I tested it by landing on my Mini Blade...not so much on but IN :o

www.seat.lonnie.com.au (club website plug)

Chris.

[becsta]

Chris,

Where did you get the Furio from?

- Becsta

[JDubman]

yeah I want one

J