One thing that has always puzzled me is why the zagi gliders (and other flying wings) have that gap in the middle section between the two elevons. It's justified on the electric model for prop clearance, but why on the glider? If i'm not mistaken this causes turbulence resulting in additional drag.

Thanks in advance,

Noah

Because the same model is used for electric power?

I've seen it that way in other cases too. Given the "quick" aspects of these simple foamies I guess it's too much like work to clean it up for asthetics.

I don't know if this is part of the decision not to extend ailerons to the centre of the wing in a specific design, but it's certainly true that the closer they are to the centreline of the model the less effect they will have.

This is the reason why ailerons are placed as far outboard as possible, and, incidentally, why wings with both ailerons and flaps always have the flaps inboard (as they aren't there to provide roll) and the ailerons nearer the tips, where the extra moment, or leverage makes them more effective.

David C.

The aileron area inboard would give drag due to deflection without the benefits of a rolling moment. But I have to think it was just a manufacturing/stocking reason.

i think you will find it is for launching, i hold it over head with my two middle fingers over the top of the wing in between the elevons and my palm underneath slightly nose down and throw off the slope, there is nowhere else to launch it from really.

whats been said is true. However, i didn't really mean that the elevons have to extend to the center. They could just extend the foam portion in this area. Then it could still easily be launched.

thats true