Glider model

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A glider model is a flight model that does not have its own drive. Glider models are used in hillside flight ( dike , hill or mountain ) to fly in the upwind or in the flat in thermal flight . While - depending on the wind conditions - throwing the model against the wind is usually sufficient on the slope, tow planes , high-start devices ( winches , rubber ropes ) or special throwing techniques such as B. the SAL ( S ide- A rm- L aunch) is used.

features

Glider pilot with motor (motor glider) and remote control

A model glider generally has a very narrow and long wing and a slim, streamlined fuselage.

The elevator and rudder units can be arranged very differently; the designations of the individual tail unit configurations then usually result from the shape of the tail unit combination (in the direction of flight from the rear or the front) . The best-known examples are the cross tail (the horizontal tail forms a cross with the vertical tail), the T-tail (the horizontal tail sits on the vertical tail) and the V-tail (two V-shaped tail unit halves attached to the tail unit carrier of the fuselage, each halved at the same time take over the function of the horizontal stabilizer and the vertical stabilizer). The V-tail, which is rarely found in man-carrying aviation, is said to have particularly good aerodynamic properties (low air resistance). In addition, a V-tail is usually lighter (and thus makes it easier to achieve the glider's optimal center of gravity), as it does not require a third damping surface.

One can also differentiate the way in which the model airplane is controlled. The most important distinction is made here according to the number of controlled degrees of freedom (axes) for direction control:

1. One-axis control (rudder only), enables control around the vertical / vertical axis (also called ' yaw axis ') to change the direction of flight in the horizontal (analogous to steering a ground or water vehicle) for turning.
2. Two-axis control 'side / elevation' (rudder and elevator), also enables control around the horizontal / transverse axis (also ' pitching ') to influence the speed and the direction of flight in the vertical (' phygoids ').
3. Two-axis control 'cross / height' (aileron and elevator) is used with respect to the 'page / Höhe' control, the control for turning flight means ailerons , which also aerobatic maneuvers such as rollers are possible. This type of control is used almost exclusively in agile glider models that have a speed-oriented design.
4. Three-axis control (rudder, aileron and elevator), this combination of the above-mentioned control variants corresponds to the use of the control surfaces (rudder) in today's aircraft for man-carrying aviation.

Further distinguishing features in the control result from the use of control mechanisms to increase or reduce the wing lift or the air resistance (camber, spoiler and / or brake flaps).