Toy throw glider conversion to RC
The guys at our field are generally in on a little competitive diversion from normal sport flying. In the past we've done combat in various forms, pylon with various aircraft and other fun fly events. They provide something new and interesting and usually run the course of a season of flying to await something new. The problem has been that there hasn't been anything new like that in a few years.
This season, we are gearing up for one design RC glider competition. To engage as many as possible, the airframe is a cheap hand launch foam glider available at LHS or Hobby Lobby under $10 . The 54" glider is converted to two ch RC control of the pilots choice of control surfaces. The airframe needs some strapping tape or otherwise spars to strengthen for piggy back launching but a glider can be converted in a few hours.
The launch tractor needs a cradle and released mechanism and altimeter telemetry for equal altitude launching. Test show a reasonable height is around 750 ft where the glider can still be seen well but will yield lengthy flights (five minutes plus). When summer temps heat up and we start getting some thermal activity, they will likely add fun.
Wing loading is down around 4oz per sq ft and the gliders actually fly quite well when balanced well.