The world record for dynamic soaring was just recently broken at 487 MPH. Scary fast.

Here is a video of the previos world record at 468. Hopefully a video will be release soon of the new record flight.

http://www.youtube.com/user/rcspeeds#p/u/0/rfoxjNg-eg0

It's an amazing speed.

So now what do they do with it?

Its not a world record until it is properly documented. Amazing speed no the less, loved the sound of each pass.

This is very fast - I wonder what is the speed record for RC IC engined, and also that of electric planes?

Come to think about it at least as fast as most full scale prop planes - and a large number of highly modified racing planes at Reno... And this is done with wind power alone...

Wonder when the 500 mph barrier will fall?

I wonder what servo's and power packs they used......
Bundu

http://www.fai.org/record-aeromodell...spacemodelling

The FAI website is a bit convoluted but if you choose "F3 Open- Radio Controlled Flight" and leave the other selector as "Choose...." it gives you all the current records and current claims pending approval.

Piston engine speed is listed at 405.30 kph. That's a "mere" 253 mph. So the dynamic model soaring scene has already moved WAY past what a piston engine model can provide.

There is no classes for electric power speed near as I can tell. Just one time for a closed course F5D racer.

I think you're correct in the most technical sense. However in a very practical sense the world of Dynamic soaring is very close-knit society and culture, and the names of th "Big Dogs" are known just as everone here knows of QuiQue Somenzini, Andrew Jesky, Chip Hyde, etc.. To gather "the correct" officials to verify the speed as an "official" world record would not be possible given the time, locale and opportunistic nature of this activity.

A very comprehensive web site is maintained (daily) to track the goings on in the DS world:

http://rcspeeds.com/

And this web site is well known and utilized "world wide" as "the authoritative" list. All it really takes to document one's speed is to have a person willing to hold a radar gun at a plane and "witness" the highest reading which most modern guns will automatically do.

Well said Wind. Records among the community is dealt with in Very different ways. In dynamic soaring respect for these Top Dogs are honored. If someone breaks a record, everyone is thrilled, even the previous holder. Its the way all R/C was... until the big money stepped in. That kind of changed some modelers.

DM

The top speed is 548 mph (882 km/h) now. I made a simple 1 min explanation of how it works. It's on youtube titled:

"Dynamic Soaring - Super Fast Wind-Powered Flight"

Very interesting video indeed!