Thermal airfoil
09-06-2006, 04:02 PM
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Thermal airfoil
Hello Guys,
I have been kicking around a idea and need some advise... I'm looking at doing a 2 or 3 meter electric sailplane mostly for thermal and some ridge lift..
I have looked on this forum for airfoils, but none really for thermal or my airfoil program does not have the info..
So the question is what airfoil and what type of wing configuration...Polyhedral or straight... I'm looking for a good L/D floater type performance.
I'm thinking built up wing to keep light and either a balsa fuse or make a boom and pod (composite)
Also what size root and tip.. ?
Thanks
Scott Anderson
Team PMA
Team Tanicpacks.com
Team Castle Creations
I have been kicking around a idea and need some advise... I'm looking at doing a 2 or 3 meter electric sailplane mostly for thermal and some ridge lift..
I have looked on this forum for airfoils, but none really for thermal or my airfoil program does not have the info..
So the question is what airfoil and what type of wing configuration...Polyhedral or straight... I'm looking for a good L/D floater type performance.
I'm thinking built up wing to keep light and either a balsa fuse or make a boom and pod (composite)
Also what size root and tip.. ?
Thanks
Scott Anderson
Team PMA
Team Tanicpacks.com
Team Castle Creations
09-06-2006, 10:29 PM
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RE: Thermal airfoil
Built up wings don't take kindly to slick airfoils with critical shaping requirements. So if you want to make a model that is for both thermal and slope you'll have to give up at least a little bit of pure speed and likely some inverted performance.
For a nice thermal built up option that should be pretty decent at the slope I'd suggest the Mark Drela AG34. It's designed to have a low camber and to be built up with forward shetting and open rear area. It won't be great in steady inverted flight unless you've got LOT'S of lift or for outside looping maneuvers. But for positive G stuff it'll work nice.
For a nice thermal built up option that should be pretty decent at the slope I'd suggest the Mark Drela AG34. It's designed to have a low camber and to be built up with forward shetting and open rear area. It won't be great in steady inverted flight unless you've got LOT'S of lift or for outside looping maneuvers. But for positive G stuff it'll work nice.
09-06-2006, 11:01 PM
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RE: Thermal airfoil
My version of wing master does not have this airfoil.. is there another one ?
I can cut a foam wing if needed, or ribs since I have my own CNC router table
scott anderson
I can cut a foam wing if needed, or ribs since I have my own CNC router table
scott anderson
09-14-2006, 06:24 PM
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RE: Thermal airfoil
Scott
Look into the S3021. I have used it on all my Thermal and electric sailplanes for the last several years. If your doing an electric keep it light to keep the wing loading under 8-9 oz. per sq.' Makes it a much better soarer.
Good luck!
Edg
Look into the S3021. I have used it on all my Thermal and electric sailplanes for the last several years. If your doing an electric keep it light to keep the wing loading under 8-9 oz. per sq.' Makes it a much better soarer.
Good luck!
Edg
