dodgeman

hi...

i'm want to build a glider until 2 meter of wing approximately ,That the glider will not be with engine i.e. glider that you throw and fly.
The most important that he will be easy to build (balsa body and wing with profiles).
so....
i'm thinking on the ninja or the t-dancer...
what you recommend to me?

thank you very much
daniel

BMatthews

These are two different types of airplanes. The Ninja is a slope soaring model and won't be good for thermal flying. The Thermal Dancer is a thermal model and won't be very good for slope flying except in light winds. For thermal flying it will also need a winch or high start to launch it. What kind of flying do you want to do?

dodgeman

I'm want slope soaring model ....
the ninja is good?
what you recommend to me?

BMatthews

For slope soaring in medium or heavy winds the Ninja is your best bet between these two models. However I don't slope fly so you want to get more opinions on a good slope model.

I'm changing the title of your thread to draw in more answers along this line for you. In the meantime it would help if you can list off the slope models that are available in Israel or that you can easily mail order from Europe or the US. It's easy to make a recomendation but that doesn't help if you cannot get the model folks recomend.

Best of luck with your new model.

papermache

My Feedback: (35)

dodgeman,
If you want to learn to slope fly, your best bet is an EPP foam plane.They stand up to a lot of punishment and are certainly worth the money.
What kind of plane you should get depends a lot on the place you'll be flying from, especially the strength of the winds you'll encounter. Other factors include landing zones (or the lack thereof), your own skill level, and your budget.
The Ninja is a fine flyer, but its plywood fuselage doesn't stand up too well to hard landings. Just off the top of my head, I'd reccommend the "Cobra" from Magnum models, the "Redback" and the "Eraser 48 sport" from California Sailplanes, or one of the "Zagi" wings. All of them are built to absorb a lot of punishment. Do a Google search under "Slope Gl;iders" and you'll be amazed at what you find.
Slope is a great time. welcome aboard.

papermache

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I must echo papermache's comments. EPP Foam planes are becoming the standard in the US for first slope planes and, for some, the only kind of slope planes they wish to fly.

You have told us nothing of your experience flying radio controlled aircraft. We also know nothing about your flying conditions. Both would be important for us to know to recommend a plane to you.

Almost any glider can be flown on the slope. I fly thermal and slope gliders on the slope. I have also flown small electric model airplanes on the slope.

While slope planes can be any size, I have seen that is common for them to be in the 1-1.5 meter size range. This is typically smaller than the thermal duration gliders which are more common in the 2 meter and larger size. The reason is that slope planes do not need to climb high to find lift. Very often they are flown close to the pilot, so size is not as important. My favoriate slope plane is 48 inches, about 1.2 meters. Most of the slope planes flown ar our sites are under 2 meters.

While there are many rudder/elevator slope planes with dihedral in the wings, most of the slope planes I have seen have aileron/elevator or elevon controls to allow them to turn faster than a rudder/elevator controlled plane.

When you are flying in a strong wind, having this more positive turning ability is an advantage, but is not required. However if you are new to flying RC planes, you might be better served with a R/E plane that is more stable. Many people slope soar Spirits and Gentle Ladies in lighter conditions. They are gentle flyers and are very stable. But due to their light wood construction they can be very easy to break under poor landing conditions and are not well suited to high winds. There are slope gliders of similar design made of EPP foam.

I fly slope, thermal and discus launched gliders in addition to small electric planes. When it comes to slope soaring, I pick my plane based on the landing area first, then wind conditions and lift. I have three dedicated slope planes and also fly some of my thermal gliders on the slope. I also have a discus launched glider that I plan to try on the slope for very light lift conditions.

These are my dedicated slope planes and how I decide which one to fly.

I have an EPP Foam Zagi 3C wing that I will slope soar anywhere and anytime because I can land it by flying it into a tree or bush if I have to. I have landed it in concrete parking lots and in places where there is no landing area at all. I am still learning how to hand catch it. Regardless, I have never done serious damage to it regardless of how bad the landing. It flies very well and gets plenty of air time.

I have an EPS (Styrofoam) plane that is smaller. This one can take a somewhat rough landing area, but not too rough. It is not as tough as the EPP foam Zagi. I want some grass or smooth beach sand for this one but it doesn't have to be a large grass area because the plane is small and light.

I have a 2 meter fiberglass plane. For this one I must have a large landing area with plenty of grass or open ground that does not have a lot of rocks. This plane is fast and will not tolerate bad landings or it will end up on the repair bench or in the trash. So I am very selective as to where I fly this one.

I recently flew one of my 3M balsa sailplanes at the slope. I thought I would have enough room to land it but I overestimated my talents. It is now on the repair table.

Hopefully this is useful information.

Please tell us more about yourself and the slope conditions in your area.

I will list some examples of EPP foam planes that might be suitable for you if, you are a new flyer.

FLYING WING/TAILLESS SLOPE PLANES

Zagi 5C - $55
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHWX5&P=7
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_p...ac40893326ae4f
http://www.myzagi.com/
Wingspan: 48" (1219mm) Wing area: 2.03 sq ft
Wing loading: 8.5 oz sq ft (25 g/sq dm) Weight: 17.5oz (496g)
Airfoil: Zagi 101.3 (semi-symmetrical)

Zagi THL - $42
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHWX6&P=7
This is a hand launched thermal glider, but I hear many people slope it. Low
wing loading would suggest it is good for light lift conditions.
Wing span: 48" (1219mm) Wing area: 2.83 sq ft (.182 sq dm)
Airfoil: Zagi 999 Wing loading: 4 oz sq ft (12.20 g sq dm)
Weight: 11.5 oz (326 grams)

The Weasel Pro - $50
http://www.dream-flight.com/weaselpro.html
Review
http://www.slopeflyer.com/artman/pub...icle_338.shtml
Video
http://www.dream-flight.com/moviefil...aselmaiden.wmv
Wingspan: 35.4 in (900mm) Wing area: 362 sq.in (23.3dm)
Weight range: 11-13 oz (312-370gm)

Combat Wings - RTF - three choices
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21

Combat Wings XL - kit - $64
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roduct_name=XL -
Review
http://www.slopeflyer.com/artman/pub...icle_257.shtml
Video
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...products_id=32
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=193
http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=108

Bee - EPP combat wing - $50
bottom of web page
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/bee10.mov


MULTIPURPOSE - SLOPE/DLG MINI WINGS/TAILLESS PLANES
These can be slope soared in very light lift AND can be side arm/discus
launched from flat fields for glider fun or to hunt for thermals. Sort of
muliti-purpose planes. Good to keep in the car. I have the Boomer.

Boomer DLG flying wing - $60
Wingspan: 33.5" Wing Area: 318.25 sq. in.
Root Chord (including elevon): 13" Tip Chord (including elevon): 6"
Wing Loading: 2.805 oz/sq. ft.
Product has been taken over by Mountian Models
www.mountainmodels.com
This is a product review - be sure to watch the video
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4524

Mini Weasel - $40
http://www.dream-flight.com/miniweasel.html
Wingspan: 23.6 in (600mm)
Wing area: 174 sq.in (11.24dm)
Weight range: 4-5 oz (113-142gm)

Alula - $45
http://www.dream-flight.com/alula.html
Wingspan: 34 in (860mm)
Wing area: 234 sq.in (15.29 sq.dm)
Weight range: 4.2-4.6 oz (120-127gm)


MORE CONVENTIONAL FUSELAGE/WING/TAIL PLANES

Easy EPP - Rudder/elevator - $50
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Looping_A.wmv
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/easy_pattern.mov

Easy Pro EPP - Aileron/elevator - $50
http://www.windrider.com.hk/products/product.cfm?id=9
Video
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Easy_Pro_test_9.mpg
http://www.windrider.com.hk/image/Easy_Pro_test_7.mpg

Eraser - 60" $125 (really like this one)
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...p/Eraser60.htm
Wingspan - 60" Length - 35.4"
Weight - 28oz. Airfoil - CS ER

Eraser sport - 48" $105
http://www.californiasailplanes.com/...epp/Eraser.htm
Wingspan - 48" Length - 31"
Weight - 21oz. Airfoil - Selig 3016

P-38 Lightning- $79
http://www.mtntoys.com/p38.html
Wing Span: 52 in. Length: 30 in.
Airfoil: S3021 Wing Area: 422 sq. in.
Weight: 32-36 oz Construction: EPP Foam

See anything interesting?

dodgeman

I decided to build a hand launch glider.
i mean the glider that you throws like this:
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4506
so...
Suggestions for glider like this...

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

That is called a Discus Launched Glider -



If you have never seen a discus launched glider, this link has a page that
explains the launch method.
http://www.jancomodels.com/discuslaunch.htm

I purchased the Boomer EX2 DLG/SLG wing glider. Easy to build kit, easy
transport, high fun factor.

My second choice was the DL50, also from Mountain Models.

Many of the models I list below have videos of them being launched and flown.
Most are kits, some are ARF, and one is an RTF. Typically the ones over $200
are ARF composite construction planes. More competition oriented. I was
looking for more of a fun/sport plane that I could keep in the car for instant
fun!


FLYING WING ELEVON STYLE DLGs
Some have video links on their pages
Seem to have a very high fun factor to them

Boomer EX2 - DLG flying wing - This is the one I brought to the meeting.
Reported to thermal very well, easy transport in car, good for light slope
lift Product has been taken over by Mountain Models
www.mountainmodels.com
http://www.mountainmodels.com/order_planes.php
This is a product review - be sure to watch the video
at the end of the review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4524
Second Video
http://www.stocker.rchomepage.com/Boomhivis2_0002.wmv


Red Herring - DLG Flying wing - $60
Very light wing loading
available as EPP for added slope capability
or lighter EPS with protective nose cap at 2 oz wing loading
http://www.liftworx.com/pages/redherring.html
Video
http://www.liftworx.com/videoclips/redherring.html

Alula - DLG Flying Wing $45
interesting forward swept wing design
EPP foam with removable tail.
http://www.dream-flight.com/alula.html
Review - Starts on Page 24
http://www.b2streamlines.com/RCSD-2004-10.pdf


RUDDER/ELEVATOR STYLE DLGs
- Some have video links on their pages
- One is a RTF plane

Mountain Models DL50 - $70-kit
This will probably be my next one
http://www.mountainmodels.com/DL50.php
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4542


The Gambler+ = $70 - Kit
http://www.wrightbrothersrc.com/our_kits/gambler.htm
http://www.rcgroups.com/4506

The Seeker - $79 kit - smaller than the ones above
This one breaks down for easy transport
http://www.liftworx.com/pages/seeker.html

NSP Calysto $139 - ARF
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=2955

The Spinner - An EPP DLG - heavier than the others in the group
http://www.upslopesailplanes.com/Spinner.html

avenger - $275
http://www.jancomodels.com/avenger.html

MiSAL - RTF
This comes all built including all electronics on your channel of
choice. You add the radio and go! They also sell radios to go with it if you
like
http://www.edgerc.com/MiSAL%20DLG.htm


AILERON/ELEVATOR/RUDDER STYLE DLGs

NSP Huron - ARF $128
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=760

NSP Apache - ARF $139
http://www.nesail.com./detail.php?productID=1178

HobbyClub Salsa (aka Salmoe) $179
http://www.hobbyclub.com/salsahlg.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyclub.com/rcmsalsa_dhlg.htm

Hyper DLG - - ARF $250
Two piece wing and removable H-stab for easy
transport. R/E/A
http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=3059

Art Hobby Bobolink $91 Kit
http://www.arthobby.com/gliders/specs/bobolink.html

ArtHobby Hyper DL $131 Kit
http://www.arthobby.com/gliders/specs/hyperDL.html

The Spinner XT - An EPP DLG - R/E/A
Primarily if I wanted a slope plane that was also a DLG
Wing loading is a bit high.
http://www.upslopesailplanes.com/Spinner.html

dodgeman

thank you very much aeajr

RockyMtnFlyBoy

Ed: I recently purchased a used "Ninja" slope soaring airplane at a local RC auction. Would you know where I might be able to down load its manual to better understand what servos, receiver, etc to mount in it? And most important were to locate the CG? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Rocky Mtn Fly Boy
Boulder, CO

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

I don't know the Ninja or who makes it.

RockyMtnFlyBoy

Thank you, Ed. I'll try a general post!

Rocky Mtn Fly Boy
Boulder, CO

Futile Flight

I might suggest The Raptor...It is an ultralight (8 oz. flight weight) that is fun to fly.

www.futureslopedesigns.com

-PLA