100" Thermal soarer

[Roswell1]

Does anybody know if there is a high performance 100" sailplane available which can compete against the 'tracker' ? I was thinking about the mini AVA but i am not sure if it will perform as well as the 'tracker' in the windy conditions that we frequently encounter in the UK.

[atjurhs]

This plane performs really well. I've won and placed in a few contests with it. It is a derivative of Jack Womack's (schrederman) Bantam. Mine weighs right at 32oz. I think Jack has one that weighs around 24oz. But at 32oz. and 700sq.inches and a 6.6 wingloading, it thermals fine.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=678527&highlight=bastard

[Roswell1]

Thanks for the info , it looks a really nice model .Do you know if plans are available or a short kit for the ribs.I looked on laser arts web site but couldnot see it ?

[Shedofdread]

If you are interested in 100s sailplanes, I presume you are UK based, Roswell? If you are you may remember the ali sparred 100s sailplanes such as the Stiletto etc. It would be interesting to compare them with the Tracker.
These sailplanes were only available as a plan and a glass fuz so there was some building required. Rib every inch threaded onto the tube spar and sheeted then glassed - happy days!?!

[schrederman]

My Bantam uses the Drela airfoils used on the Bubble Dancer, but modified slightly. It goes well against the wind because the wing is very thin. Mine weighs 24.5 oz and goes nicely in the 10 to 15 mph winds we have in New Mexico. The only problem is that the kits are not released, yet... They will be available sometime soon, but I'm not the one kitting them, and I can't speak for Brian...

Enjoy whatever you decide to do...

Jack Womack

[Batmanwpg]

Art Hobby Thermic with some mods and if re-enforced is a good plane. Mine does well in wind or calm conditions. Again, a thin airfoil that penetrates well and has a good L/D.

[atjurhs]

Hey Jack,

How about posting the Bantam's wing plan/CAD files for all to use, open source, like Mark D does with all his designs?

[schrederman]

Two reasons...

1.) I have already given Brian exclusivity to the Bantam design. He's working on it. He's been faithful to do what he says he's going to do, so I won't pull that rug out from under him.

2.) I don't have the software to publish it that way.

Sorry if that upsets anyone.

JW

[atjurhs]

Bat, that thing looks sweet! Can I take it to Maui with me next week? I'm sure I could enter it in the Longboard division :D Being a goofy foot rider, I wonder which wingtip I should mount a skeg under :D probably the left.

[Batmanwpg]

Bat, that thing looks sweet! Can I take it to Maui with me next week? I'm sure I could enter it in the Longboard division :D Being a goofy foot rider, I wonder which wingtip I should mount a skeg under :D probably the left.



Flys sweet too! You can take it to Maui as long as you take me with it. :D

[atjurhs]

Flys sweet too! You can take it to Maui as long as you take me with it. :D

The thought of you in a grass skirt and coconuts :eek: is haunting :D

[Roswell1]

The thermic 2.5 looks a bit 'fragile' for conditions in the uk , what mods did you do ? will it take ballast ?

[Larry051967]

There is someone here in S Cal with a 100" sailplane that has an airfoil that looks almost flat. The trailing edge has a very, very small flat edge that has incredibly sharp edges. Also he has a span wise strip that is about 1/16" wide that is fuzzy, located on the outer quarter of the span located at around 60 percent of the chord. Is this the kind of stuff you sailplane guy mess with.

[Batmanwpg]

The thermic 2.5 looks a bit 'fragile' for conditions in the uk , what mods did you do ? will it take ballast ?


I can fit about 8 oz of ballast in it. That will allow me to fly in about 25 kph winds.
Mods: 3 layers of glass on centre wing joint, extra 6 oz layer of glass inside the pod under the wing saddle on all sides, wings are bolt on with (2) 10-32 nylon bolts,
tail feathers are replaced by 1/4 light balsa with Drela airfoils, stab bolts on with (2) 4-40 nylon bolts, receiver is Electron 6 with case removed. Model is finished in water based Polyurethane.

Finished weight is 27 oz.

Fragile is a relative term. I have a Boar 2M (same type of build) that I lost sight of over head. I barried the stick in the bottom corner to have it spiral in by never regained sight of the model. The model was found later after it came straight in. The damaged was a lot less than you would think. Light planes do not hit with the same impact as a heavy plane!!!!!!

[Batmanwpg]

The thought of you in a grass skirt and coconuts :eek: is haunting :D


You haven't seen my legs yet! :rolleyes:

[Batmanwpg]

There is someone here in S Cal with a 100" sailplane that has an airfoil that looks almost flat. The trailing edge has a very, very small flat edge that has incredibly sharp edges. Also he has a span wise strip that is about 1/16" wide that is fuzzy, located on the outer quarter of the span located at around 60 percent of the chord. Is this the kind of stuff you sailplane guy mess with.


Turbulators? You bet!