High Altitude Glider (my current dream project)

[aetherguy881]

Well, I haven't had too much aeronautical experience in the form of flying or building, just some basic knowledge and knowhow. However I have been drawn back into the hobby again by finding this project that I admired and then forgot, and now that I'm in college I want to start looking for a senior project before I'm a senior (I'm a freshie).

Here's the project link (http://members.shaw.ca/sonde/index.htm).

Right now I want to start designing the glider itself, not any of the controls for the moment. I'll prolly get to those once I have a much better grasp on electronics (electrical engineer major).

What's puzzling me right now is the wing pitch and dimensions that I should use. Upon asking this I think I should put this in a different subforum, but right now I think it should go into the UAV section.

Also, how feasible do you think this project is? It has been successful, but do you think it could also qualify as a senior project (I don't know the requirements for the project yet (must ask advisor)). Either way, it'll be a nice project to do.

Thanks

I also plan on doing everything from scratch, such that I wouldn't be asking the guys who did this for their code, perhaps only help.

[Earl Jr.]

Building the entire system and airframe can be pretty daunting for an experienced hobbiest, never mind a self professed newbie like you (and me for that matter).

I don't know how far you have gotten since you posted this, so I will point you towards the more knowledgeable people and put in my $0.02

First off, since you asked about aerodynamics, you should check out modeling science (on rcgroups, under the aircraft - general board). Perhaps get your hands on a model similar to the airframe you want to build as a good jumping off point. Also, digging through your inspiration page (he's working on v2!), you might have noticed the behavior at altitude of the glider, where it was nearly uncontrollable in the thin air. In my opinion, focus less on the wing details for now and focus on the gross dimensions such as wing loading, control surface size, and control throw. Perhaps you could devise a system that will adjust servo throw for air density. It's not like it will be a stunt aircraft where it will have to retain control during intentional extreme manuvers (although it might have to handle similar forces initally)!

As for the electronics, I am not a foremost expert (freshman aerospace engineer), so you would do well to inquire in the DIY electronics board (also under aircraft - general section) in addition to the UAV board. I would also encourage you to visit diydrones.com as they are experienced in UAV control systems.

I was toying around with building one of my own some time ago (I was inspired by the same project), but it was way out of my budget. However, during my research, I came across another project similar to the one you linked to. http://www.kd7lmo.net/nsrv.html His project is not complete, but he has been more through in documenting his steps.

Well that was long winded. I hope it helps some. Good luck with your project; I will be watching it!