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Old 02-07-2009, 12:48 AM
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blackshire blackshire is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 6,507
Default "Boost-Glider Blues" (overcoming them)

Hello All,

I have read several postings on this forum by people who have had great difficulties with getting boost-gliders to fly properly. The common front-motor boost-glider, regardless of whether it ejects only its spent motor or jettisons an entire streamer-recovered (or parachute-recovered) pop-pod, is really nothing more than a conventional HLG (Hand-Launched Glider, also called a "chuck" glider) that is boosted to altitude under rocket power.

For those who have been struggling with boost-gliders: Before trying another one, why not first develop proficiency in building and flying "glued-together" balsa chuck gliders? These most humble of aeromodels can, if built carefully and flown skillfully, fly for miles and climb thousands of feet into the sky with the help of thermals. For many decades, Free Flight (F/F) aeromodelers have held chuck glider competitions that range from informal local affairs to national meets sponsored by national aeromodeling organizations to large international contests that are officially sanctioned by the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale). This British chuck glider web site (see: http://www.f4bscale.worldonline.co.uk/hand.htm ) contains a wealth of information and links about building and flying chuck gliders, including tips for detecting thermals and pointers on effective hand-launching techniques.

As a first step, try a simple and inexpensive "glued-together" balsa chuck glider kit that is similar in size and layout to a typical front-motor boost-glider. The most common such kit is Guillow's 4101 "Goldwing" HLG (see: http://www.guillow.com/GuillowDetai...d=28&FamilyId=1 ). This decades-old classic kit includes clay for trimming the glider, and it often even comes with a tube of balsa-wood model airplane glue. (I use aliphatic resin glue [yellow wood glue, that is] for building chuck gliders [even though it is a little heavier] because it produces stronger balsa-to-balsa bonds than the tube-type balsa model airplane glue. Also, unlike balsa model airplane glue, yellow wood glue has no fumes!) The Goldwing glider is available much more cheaply from many vendors than it is when bought directly from Guillow's, and here are links to just a few:

http://www.alliedhobbies.com/catalo...&showprevnext=1
http://www.rudystoys.com/category.aspx?categoryID=116
http://www.acsupplyco.com/aerospace...wer/gui4101.htm
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/848375.asp

In addition to being a great way to build skill and expertise prior to tackling boost-gliders, building and flying balsa chuck gliders is a lot of fun to do in and of itself!

I hope this information will be helpful.
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