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R/C MOTOR GLIDERS

As its name implies, gliders use thermals and air currents for flight, and once airborne can remain aloft for extended periods of time. Experienced glider pilots can perform spectacular aerobatics, loops, rolls etc. by using energy conservation as pertains to flight (ie: converting speed into altitude). Conventional gliders require a launching device (bungee cord or winch tow) or a special location such as a hillside to take off. Electric motor gliders however, can climb to altitude using its own motor.

1. R/C EQUIPMENT

A conventional non-powered R/C glider can be controlled by a 2-channel 2-servo radio and stick type transmitter. For a motor glider, the motor requires on/off switching, therefore 3-channels or more are required. Some models require special R/C equipment to obtain optimum function and performance. The manufacturer’s suggested equipment list will be shown on the package or in the instruction manual. Consult your hobby dealer for choices of suitable R/C equipment.

2. Motor power source

A Ni-Cd battery pack is most often used for power in electric motor gliders. Battery specifications (capacity, dimensions, weight etc.) greatly effect the performance of a glider. Use only the glider’s specified battery for operating the model.

*Tamiya’s peak spirit requires a Tamiya Ni-Cd 7.2v battery RC1700SP and a DC quick charger CPU-2000.

3. Operation of the motor glider

Once you reach the desired altitude, cut the power and the propellers will fold back.  The motor glider operation is exactly the same as any conventional glider. Basic soaring techniques are discussed below. One thing you should always avoid is a steep climb without sufficient airspeed.  This can stall the glider and could result in a spin and possible crash of the aircraft.

4. Thermal hunting and slope soaring

These terms concern ascending air currents. If a glider enters these updraft it can gain altitude without use of motor power, thereby increasing the flight time.

.Thermal hunting

The word “thermal” means a rising current of heated air, caused by the uneven heating of the ground by the sun.  Thermals occur over uncovered ground, such as sand and soil. Air over grasslands and water tend to be cooler and generally have descending air patterns.  When circling inside a thermal, a glider will gain altitude, so “Thermal Hunting” is the process of finding and making use of these invisible currents by observing a glider’s flying attitude.

.slope soaring

Winds moving towards an upslope or hillside become natural updrafts. Finding and re-maining in these ascending currents of air by doing a figure 8 maneuver, will keep the glider parallel to the hills ridge line, allowing continuous flight.

Safety Precautions

Radio controlled aircraft models are subject to radio failure, malfunctions of the R/C system and mechanical problems. Always operate your model in a safe area where personal and/or property damage will not occur even if the model should crash.  Follow these rules when flying:

. Do not fly near people, buildings or public facilities, or near roads and vehicular traffic.

. Do not fly near electric power lines, power stations, antennas or broadcast transmission towers. They are not only obstructive, but can also cause radio interference.

.Do not fly in strong winds or rainy weather.

.Do not fly alone. Always have an assistant with you.

.Double check your R/C equipment prior to any flight.

.Use only those frequencies authorized for R/C aircraft.

*Warnings about the propeller

Take great care during assembly and operating the propeller. It rotates at a very high RPM and the blades have sharp edges. When turning on the motor, make sure no one is alongside or in front of the propeller.