high altitude balloon launched glider

[orglider]

I am starting a similar balloon launch glider project. I plane on releasing the glider around 50,000 to 60,000 ft. I want the glider to be able to hover a bit so the payload can make some measurements, i.e., temperature, collect air samples, before returning to the lauch site. The glider with all its electronics and payloads should be no more than 10 lbs. The physical size is not very important.

I am planning to build the plane in three parts: the wing, fuselage, and tail.

Any idea and info are welcome.

[kevin matthews]

I'm concerned about other possible air traffic and whether or not a high altitude balloon and glider launch is legal.

[Andrew McGregor]

It can be MADE legal. You have to do the appropriate notification to air traffic control, and do it somewhere sensible. You really ought to go talk to a fullsize flying school about arranging the clearances, their instructors will be able to help with that (and in some countries you have to have a pilot license or other aviation qualification to be allowed to file the paperwork).

You can't 'hover', gliders always descend relative to the air. But you can decide on whatever flight path you want, because it takes a long time to come down from up there.

This has been done before, it works well. Good luck.

[orglider]

High altitude balloon launching is rather simple if the whole thing is less than 12 lbs. FAA allows that with minimal paper works. I have been doing this for several years now. In years past, our payload is parachute down after the balloon burst. We have gotten up above 100,000 ft.

We use a GPS and a radio to relay the location and just chase it.

We want to get to the next level. Instead of chasing the payload, we want it to come back to us. :)

[Andrew McGregor]

Sure, and that part needs more paperwork, since you're now flying a UAV of sorts. Still, it has been done and can be done legally.

[kbosak]

http://www.gpsboomerang.com
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