Super light Covering Material
 

Hello!

I'm working on a very large sailplane model that requires the lightest covering available. The wingspan is 300 inches, with a 48 inch chord.
What covering material is available that would be the best bet for lightness and price?If you know of a non-iron on(AKAplastic sheet) I would go for that as well.

Thanks,

Graeme

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

You might try Reynolds Plastic wrap. Comes is several colors and I have several friends who use it on their sailplanes and small electrics. They also use  Microlite cover which is very light but it is an iron on.

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

What are the properties of the plastic wrap? Does it shrink when heated? How is it adheared to the frame?

Thanks for the reply!

Graeme</p>

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

The plastic wrap is glued to the framework. Most of them I have seen are done with a glue stick like kids use in school. The plactic wrap will shrink, just be careful and don't get it so hot it melts.</p>

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

Thats cool!  Is it any lighter than other comparative materials. Will any plastic wrap work?

Thanks again,

Graeme

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

Graeme,

For 25 feet of wingspan and 100 sqft of wing area, I would recommend using full scale techniques and materials.

You may need more than 500 sqft of covering material; hence, cost and time are to be considered.

Wing loading (possitive and negative pressures) may be too high for any glue or plastic material to hold to the frame.

Regards!

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

What is used on aircraft similar to human powered aircraft? How is it applied, and is there a cheap supplier of it?

Thanks!

Graeme

RE: Super light Covering Material
 

Unfortunately, I don't know that, Graeme.[:o]