Ii r ON TUESDAY August 23 1977 air plane quite strange form flew 1 miles just under 7 minutes earn itself very special place aviation history flying face common sense Now practical airplanes impactical airplanes Beech Bonanza very practical GeeBee pretty darned impractical Boeing 747 practical its al sickening Gossamer Con dor probably impractical mind man has yet created Unless find practical win $87000 prize short local flight Gossamer Condor light can taken out its hangar under ideal conditions everything perfect about can expected weird con traption short flight absolutely no Its maximum payload pilot its top speed 10 mph has no instru men have walked moon have powered aircraft Flat Out gross weight 207 lbs pilot Bryan Allen spinning wheels Gossamer Condor attains its 10 mph Empty weight just 70 lbs Larry Crane photo ments cant possibly flown out ground effect Moreover no sign future developments will greater usefulness fact may further developments Does sound like recipe total failure could isnt con trary Gossamer Condor very close total success certainly suc cessful people thought pos sible Its just its goal put mildly shade unusual Strangely enough creation funny flying machine prove far about man about machine greater extent ever before man integral part machine properly designed rigged airplane should able fly hands-off least short periods cant taxi crew catering its whim has known since very first terest manpowered aircraft 16th Century would take something pretty unusual accomplish something pure years since Leonardo daVinci first proposed human engine designs crack-brained inventions doomed failure usually lots rea sons wasnt until middle 20th Century men began attack problem scientifically British industrialist Henry Kremer first offered prize encourage man-powered flight 1959 put up 5000 pounds British subject could fly mile figure-8 course Later raised 10000 pounds opened competition rest world Finally creased prize 50000 pounds began look no would make 6 Model Aviation attempt Through Royal Aero nautical Society has held money issued rules passed judgment tempts end result tens thousands hours very clever effort lot ter ribly talented people Gossamer Condor bears little similarity anything went before stem stern radically different dimen sion shape forces traditional avia tor shake head puzzlement Take matter size example has wingspan almost wing area McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet airliner can carry 100 people close 600 mph can rise off ground maximum weight close 80000 lbs Yet Gossamer Con dor carries its pilot far has lift ed 207 lbs off ground obviously pilot fact its empty weight just 70 lbs turn leads some weird est numbers ever encountered aviation man-powered machines wing loading gross weight hefty 4 ounces per square foot wing contrast Piper J-3 Cub around 6 lbs/sq ft Beech Bonanza lifts almost 19 lbs square foot wing Boeing 747 can lift up 145 lbs square foot Span loading further off normal scale Gossamer Condor just over 2 lbs foot wing span dainty little Cub about 35 lbs Bonanza slightly over 100 lbs majestic 747 4000 lbs real obstacle successful mn powered flight matter power has demonstrated times laboratory proven field about can expected healthy human being around hp short burst less inute lightest piston-engined homebuilt known flying ch development Flying Flea 10-hp motorcycle engine flying weight about 2 times Gossamer Condor such true ultralight airplane seems crude bulky contrast man-powered airplane Construction California craft fairly conventional its breed course lunatic fringe far air plane materials concerned built thin-walled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord covering mostly transparent Mylar plastic film some thin styrofoam held place plastic tape 12-ft 2-in built-up propeller geared down turn just 100 rpm itself must certainly aeronautical record Control craft mainly canard surface combines functions elevator ailerons warping vast wings no rudder such Victory American team wasnt because English Japanese led race since first flight true man-powered airplane 1961 didnt realize what would take win just others didnt believe could go far known direction still have airplane flyable sec ond MPAs fly Englands SUM PACweighed just over 100 lbs 300 sq ft wing Any assumed admira ble logic would mean airplane light its wings would impossible move around breath wind took pair aeronautical PhDs unrestricted atmosphere free-wheel ing southern California carry theory its ridiculous limit succeed others repeatedly failed went wing loading less r man-powered airplane reasoning enough early mornings little no wind desert north Los Angeles allow fly fear being blown next county errant breeze Leading assault impossible December1977 7 Built thinwalled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord wraith-like machine covered Mylar plastic film huge 12 ft 2 propeller geared down turn 100 rpm Wing loading 4 ounces per square foot Earlier version victorious machine did have enclosed fuselage its canard surface line wing picture shows clearly scientifically developed ultralow speed airfoil Its wing loading 1/24th Cub Photograph Don Monroe Dr Paul MacCready Dr Peter Lissaman both graduates aeronautical sciences prestigious California Insti tute Technology Ex-model builder MacCready already big name soaring circles having national champion far back 1948 World Champion 1956 1970 founded Aerovironment Inc specializes drag-reduction devices large trucks pollution studies wind power vortex investigation flight safety Dr Lissaman originally South Africa has earned himself reputation work low-speed aerodynamics sailboats super-light gliders race cars lie did much aerodynamic work Gossamer Condor including development special airfoils wing canard surface propeller pilot 24-year old Bryan Allen experienced bike racer hang-glider pilot 6-ft height 145-lb weight made him ideal candidate signment According careful tests made before began fly Gossamer Con dor one-cylinder Allen engine puts out 12 hp short bursts 45 hp up seven minutes about 35 hp 20-30 minutes 45 hp up seven minutes important flight around I-mile course $87000 Kremer Prize figured take about long Short bursts power gotten dozen other airplanes off ground few capable being flown little howed real promise aside Gossamer Condor course Japanese Stork same weight hero story though less third wing area flown mile early 1977 first ever make full 1800 turn men Aerovironment figured correctly too would take sig nificantly less Bryan Allens 45 hp keep bird flying would have rarest quantities manpowered airplane game something re serve need perform absolute limit power far proven impossible others competition Kremer Prize two-man British Toucan two can should have able never flew enough find out entire story Gossamer Con dor amazingly short first idea came Paul MacCready 1976 watching hawks flight noticed similarity some hang glid ers August 1976 worked out techniques building wing light enough strong enouch large enough job Peter Lissaman joined team design airfoils needed work efficiently very unusual speed range September 1976 completed first version Gossamer Condor wingspan 81 feet empty weight 50 lbs built pavil lion Pasadena Calif floats assembled New Years Day Parade Roses made its first flight parking lot Rose Bowl football stadium just after midnight light rain falling didnt fly very far did fly gave large helping confidence right track De cember 26 1976 after having moved Mojave Airport about 80 miles north Los Angeles MacCreadys son Parker made first long flight about 40 seconds least 500 feet straight line Maximum effort went physical conditioning pilot along ground handling techniques vital such enormous kite February 1977 entire flight oper ation moved Shafter Calif about 15 miles northwest Bakersfield nearly 150 miles home base Aerovi ronment Pasadena Shafter offered Continued page 54 8 Model Aviation beginning end its flight rules required minimum 10 feet altitude crew members holds aloft 10-ft T-bar over Gossamer Condor flying Combining aileron/elevator functionswings also warpcanard surface tilts like free flight tail turn no rudder Flights made calm airany breeze could destructive OUT- PERFORMS ALL OTHERS AT THE 1976 NATIONALS 1st RC Masters Class 1st RC Advanced 1st RC Novice 1st RC Sport Scale 1st Formula Pylon 1st Quarter Midget Pylon 1st CL Stunt Open 1st CL Stunt Senior 1st CL Stunt Junior 1st CL Combat O & Sr 1st CL Slow Comb O & Sr 1st CL Carrier II Op Jr. Sr 1st CL Carrier Jr & Sr 1st CL Clam 0 Speed Open 1st CL Class C Speed Jr & Sr let CL Clats 6 Speed 0p & Sr 1st CL Cl Speed Op Sr Jr 1st CL Formula 40 Open 1st CL Class 6 Proto Jr 1st FF Class 8 Open 1st FF Class C Open HIGH PERFORMANCE * COMPETITION PROVEN * THIN RIGID ULADES QF HARD MAPLE WOOD * SUPeRBLY FINISHED COMPLETELY FUEL PROOF SPECIAL PRO SERIES 2 roe RC-FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE SERIES 400 B FOR SPEED NG ADVANCED DESIGN NO 1 IN PYLON RACING LEADINO SPEED RECORD HOLDER OF ALL TIMES RC PYLON RACING DIA PITCHPRICE 5%3%4129 755h6149 7SN 5%N 6N149 8%8%6%7 7%7%189 96% 7%7%189 CONTROL LINE SPEED & RACING DIAPITCHPRICE 4%6%129 4%55%129 6788%149 77%10%11 169 889189 89N 9%N189 8%77%189 91213219 NNARROW Letters Editor continued page 5 search build scale Maybe have spoiled having grown up flying against guys like Bill 1-lannan Walt Mooney Bill Stroman Russ Barrera on Finally comment flight duration over-emphasized criticism event run AMA rules set up point balance As WACO biplane placed higher 2nd low flight points indoor over couple long-flying Fikes Im sure would agree duration important think essence model meet fun meets tighten up point joy gone such strictness Nats think time fly different event people participate event interaction friends what makes contest worthwhile us Flightmasters contest means end PS enjoyed judging Mr Haughts plane Bill Warner Santa Monica CA Small AnglesAgain read reread Mr Joel Cheslers comments calculations relative article drawing small angles Editor article appeared July issue Mr Cheslers letter September detailed technical dissertation carried excessive length tends discredit procedure its entirety insinuating reader inaccurate therefore useless Mr Cheslers calculations con clusions therefrom strictly aca demic exercise trigonometry precise paper impossible achieve actual drafting practice points out er rors inaccuracies would suitable term procedures does pro pose alternative procedure easy understand layman simple use completely devoid inaccuracies however small text article does imply results using procedures would infinitesimally accurate angles up 900 purposely ended table 100 text purposely re vealed methods computations whereby table procedures evolved believe quite obvious read ers inaccuracies minute proportions entered computations sake simplicity chose round Out original radius 572959 inches 573 inches again 57-5/16 inches Addi tionally dimensions given table also rounded out nearest 1/16th inch Smaller increments inch would have no viable effect procedure As title article indicated method presented drawing small angles no logical reason use method angles 300 450 etc Drawing angles 150 larger incre ments 150 may easily accomplished various arrangements two drafting triangles 30600 450 Inac curacies exist drawing instruments equipment defeating Mr Cheslers quest infinite accuracy personally tested no less ten 180 30600 triangles made well-known firm quite expensive fore found acceptable amount error Using figures given Mr Cheslers table following table indicates both degrees inches actual amount inaccuracy occurring procedures does take account additional cumulative inaccuracies introduced proficiency draftsman accuracy instruments dimensional stabil ity drafting paper other con tributing factors will noted total amount inaccuracy occurring 200 angle procedure intended miniscule properly disregarded entirely Warren D Shipp San Diego CA Gossamer Condor/Berliner continued page 8 hangar working space important mornings little no wind March 1977 flown 1 miles straight line unofficial distance record neither NAA nor FAI has yet recognized other closed-circuit marks July Bryan Allen demonstrated flight take off 20 feet /4-mile flight 1800 turn Continued page 79 Mr Cheslers TableActual Error theActual Error Inches AngleAngleSineAngle Being Drawn End Base DegreesRadiansAngleError DegreesMinutesLine 57 5/16 Long 50870870%00 0 10175174A%031/20 152622591%093/20 203493422%0252/5 305245005%130PA Table indicating amount error method Note degree circle divided 60 minutes 54 Model Aviation NEWS FLASH Bob Smith Chatsworth CA set new World Speed Record oi June 19 Pylon mula 11125 Rev Up 8Yo-6% new Pylon Rac ing prop DIAPITCHPRICE 5%3489 63489 733% 4119 83%456129 94566% 77%139 10467149 106VV 8W149 106EVII159 114877/ 7%7%8159 1166W189 11%67189 126179 126W179 1356319 1456249 1556309 164%6389 W WIDE BLADE EW ETRAuIInF 50L210GLH II foam wing$169550L211GLH II built-up wing $1895 Plus send complete atalog Enclosed is1 whicti refunded NAJiE SBflforlstclesenuil .J handling otherADDRESS nIpi STATE ZIP Continued page 54 mile flight back Soon flying time man-powered airplanes else world able fly mild turbulence despite slow react ing controls late July got around Kremer Prize course looked like great goal truly sight wee hours August 23 1977 dead calm blowing across Shafter Airport San Joaquin Valley final preparations began Men sent out two turning points just over half mile apart Another went out start/finish line hold up 10-ft T-bar over Bryan would have fly beginning end journey meet requirements Royal Aeronauti cal Society truck carrying official observer movie cameraman others sat poised along runway just behind Gossamer Condor 730 am PDT everything ready Bryan Allen began pedalling worth fragile craft quickly lifted off headed away slowly man could easily run beside Over 10-ft marker starting line down field first turning point rounded maybe 50 feet spare Back second turning point negotiated just much room little effort finally over T-bar finish easy landing 7 minutes 22 seconds man reached goal toward striving intensely over 15 years flown under complete control extended period time nothing own power very first time recorded history dream come true small group totally dedicated people imagined created perfected Gos samer Condor others well still see skies frontier conquered still see opportunities clever individuals tackle big challenge own refuse believe thing impossible Long Long Trail/Miller continued page 11 steady self end two days flights being flown scored com petition Lemon first second Dale third Interesting note exact placing finish Finals also could derive strong weak points concentrated efforts After numerous rap repair sessions Lemon determined good breaking airplanes determined Lemon very strong three events Distance Dura tion Speed strong Duration Distance Dale strong Du ration Speed said farewells back went Boulder practice build practice build should note am presi dent small land surveying company Colorado up through December incredibly busy wasnt model airplanes yet Finally work slowed down gan concentrate solely team ef fort South Africa also playing fair amount raquetbell time helps develop quick reflexes keep competitive spirit razor sharp recom mend competitive sport very good training glider competition de velop concentration necessary change bad luck good luck believe inner game competition major obstacle success usually self found myself constantly trying sharpen concentration making up imaginary situations trying work through last detail words Dan Pruss team makes fewest mistakes wins feel nothing important success elimination potential December 1977 79
Edition: Model Aviation - 1977/12
Page Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 54, 79
Ii r ON TUESDAY August 23 1977 air plane quite strange form flew 1 miles just under 7 minutes earn itself very special place aviation history flying face common sense Now practical airplanes impactical airplanes Beech Bonanza very practical GeeBee pretty darned impractical Boeing 747 practical its al sickening Gossamer Con dor probably impractical mind man has yet created Unless find practical win $87000 prize short local flight Gossamer Condor light can taken out its hangar under ideal conditions everything perfect about can expected weird con traption short flight absolutely no Its maximum payload pilot its top speed 10 mph has no instru men have walked moon have powered aircraft Flat Out gross weight 207 lbs pilot Bryan Allen spinning wheels Gossamer Condor attains its 10 mph Empty weight just 70 lbs Larry Crane photo ments cant possibly flown out ground effect Moreover no sign future developments will greater usefulness fact may further developments Does sound like recipe total failure could isnt con trary Gossamer Condor very close total success certainly suc cessful people thought pos sible Its just its goal put mildly shade unusual Strangely enough creation funny flying machine prove far about man about machine greater extent ever before man integral part machine properly designed rigged airplane should able fly hands-off least short periods cant taxi crew catering its whim has known since very first terest manpowered aircraft 16th Century would take something pretty unusual accomplish something pure years since Leonardo daVinci first proposed human engine designs crack-brained inventions doomed failure usually lots rea sons wasnt until middle 20th Century men began attack problem scientifically British industrialist Henry Kremer first offered prize encourage man-powered flight 1959 put up 5000 pounds British subject could fly mile figure-8 course Later raised 10000 pounds opened competition rest world Finally creased prize 50000 pounds began look no would make 6 Model Aviation attempt Through Royal Aero nautical Society has held money issued rules passed judgment tempts end result tens thousands hours very clever effort lot ter ribly talented people Gossamer Condor bears little similarity anything went before stem stern radically different dimen sion shape forces traditional avia tor shake head puzzlement Take matter size example has wingspan almost wing area McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet airliner can carry 100 people close 600 mph can rise off ground maximum weight close 80000 lbs Yet Gossamer Con dor carries its pilot far has lift ed 207 lbs off ground obviously pilot fact its empty weight just 70 lbs turn leads some weird est numbers ever encountered aviation man-powered machines wing loading gross weight hefty 4 ounces per square foot wing contrast Piper J-3 Cub around 6 lbs/sq ft Beech Bonanza lifts almost 19 lbs square foot wing Boeing 747 can lift up 145 lbs square foot Span loading further off normal scale Gossamer Condor just over 2 lbs foot wing span dainty little Cub about 35 lbs Bonanza slightly over 100 lbs majestic 747 4000 lbs real obstacle successful mn powered flight matter power has demonstrated times laboratory proven field about can expected healthy human being around hp short burst less inute lightest piston-engined homebuilt known flying ch development Flying Flea 10-hp motorcycle engine flying weight about 2 times Gossamer Condor such true ultralight airplane seems crude bulky contrast man-powered airplane Construction California craft fairly conventional its breed course lunatic fringe far air plane materials concerned built thin-walled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord covering mostly transparent Mylar plastic film some thin styrofoam held place plastic tape 12-ft 2-in built-up propeller geared down turn just 100 rpm itself must certainly aeronautical record Control craft mainly canard surface combines functions elevator ailerons warping vast wings no rudder such Victory American team wasnt because English Japanese led race since first flight true man-powered airplane 1961 didnt realize what would take win just others didnt believe could go far known direction still have airplane flyable sec ond MPAs fly Englands SUM PACweighed just over 100 lbs 300 sq ft wing Any assumed admira ble logic would mean airplane light its wings would impossible move around breath wind took pair aeronautical PhDs unrestricted atmosphere free-wheel ing southern California carry theory its ridiculous limit succeed others repeatedly failed went wing loading less r man-powered airplane reasoning enough early mornings little no wind desert north Los Angeles allow fly fear being blown next county errant breeze Leading assault impossible December1977 7 Built thinwalled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord wraith-like machine covered Mylar plastic film huge 12 ft 2 propeller geared down turn 100 rpm Wing loading 4 ounces per square foot Earlier version victorious machine did have enclosed fuselage its canard surface line wing picture shows clearly scientifically developed ultralow speed airfoil Its wing loading 1/24th Cub Photograph Don Monroe Dr Paul MacCready Dr Peter Lissaman both graduates aeronautical sciences prestigious California Insti tute Technology Ex-model builder MacCready already big name soaring circles having national champion far back 1948 World Champion 1956 1970 founded Aerovironment Inc specializes drag-reduction devices large trucks pollution studies wind power vortex investigation flight safety Dr Lissaman originally South Africa has earned himself reputation work low-speed aerodynamics sailboats super-light gliders race cars lie did much aerodynamic work Gossamer Condor including development special airfoils wing canard surface propeller pilot 24-year old Bryan Allen experienced bike racer hang-glider pilot 6-ft height 145-lb weight made him ideal candidate signment According careful tests made before began fly Gossamer Con dor one-cylinder Allen engine puts out 12 hp short bursts 45 hp up seven minutes about 35 hp 20-30 minutes 45 hp up seven minutes important flight around I-mile course $87000 Kremer Prize figured take about long Short bursts power gotten dozen other airplanes off ground few capable being flown little howed real promise aside Gossamer Condor course Japanese Stork same weight hero story though less third wing area flown mile early 1977 first ever make full 1800 turn men Aerovironment figured correctly too would take sig nificantly less Bryan Allens 45 hp keep bird flying would have rarest quantities manpowered airplane game something re serve need perform absolute limit power far proven impossible others competition Kremer Prize two-man British Toucan two can should have able never flew enough find out entire story Gossamer Con dor amazingly short first idea came Paul MacCready 1976 watching hawks flight noticed similarity some hang glid ers August 1976 worked out techniques building wing light enough strong enouch large enough job Peter Lissaman joined team design airfoils needed work efficiently very unusual speed range September 1976 completed first version Gossamer Condor wingspan 81 feet empty weight 50 lbs built pavil lion Pasadena Calif floats assembled New Years Day Parade Roses made its first flight parking lot Rose Bowl football stadium just after midnight light rain falling didnt fly very far did fly gave large helping confidence right track De cember 26 1976 after having moved Mojave Airport about 80 miles north Los Angeles MacCreadys son Parker made first long flight about 40 seconds least 500 feet straight line Maximum effort went physical conditioning pilot along ground handling techniques vital such enormous kite February 1977 entire flight oper ation moved Shafter Calif about 15 miles northwest Bakersfield nearly 150 miles home base Aerovi ronment Pasadena Shafter offered Continued page 54 8 Model Aviation beginning end its flight rules required minimum 10 feet altitude crew members holds aloft 10-ft T-bar over Gossamer Condor flying Combining aileron/elevator functionswings also warpcanard surface tilts like free flight tail turn no rudder Flights made calm airany breeze could destructive OUT- PERFORMS ALL OTHERS AT THE 1976 NATIONALS 1st RC Masters Class 1st RC Advanced 1st RC Novice 1st RC Sport Scale 1st Formula Pylon 1st Quarter Midget Pylon 1st CL Stunt Open 1st CL Stunt Senior 1st CL Stunt Junior 1st CL Combat O & Sr 1st CL Slow Comb O & Sr 1st CL Carrier II Op Jr. Sr 1st CL Carrier Jr & Sr 1st CL Clam 0 Speed Open 1st CL Class C Speed Jr & Sr let CL Clats 6 Speed 0p & Sr 1st CL Cl Speed Op Sr Jr 1st CL Formula 40 Open 1st CL Class 6 Proto Jr 1st FF Class 8 Open 1st FF Class C Open HIGH PERFORMANCE * COMPETITION PROVEN * THIN RIGID ULADES QF HARD MAPLE WOOD * SUPeRBLY FINISHED COMPLETELY FUEL PROOF SPECIAL PRO SERIES 2 roe RC-FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE SERIES 400 B FOR SPEED NG ADVANCED DESIGN NO 1 IN PYLON RACING LEADINO SPEED RECORD HOLDER OF ALL TIMES RC PYLON RACING DIA PITCHPRICE 5%3%4129 755h6149 7SN 5%N 6N149 8%8%6%7 7%7%189 96% 7%7%189 CONTROL LINE SPEED & RACING DIAPITCHPRICE 4%6%129 4%55%129 6788%149 77%10%11 169 889189 89N 9%N189 8%77%189 91213219 NNARROW Letters Editor continued page 5 search build scale Maybe have spoiled having grown up flying against guys like Bill 1-lannan Walt Mooney Bill Stroman Russ Barrera on Finally comment flight duration over-emphasized criticism event run AMA rules set up point balance As WACO biplane placed higher 2nd low flight points indoor over couple long-flying Fikes Im sure would agree duration important think essence model meet fun meets tighten up point joy gone such strictness Nats think time fly different event people participate event interaction friends what makes contest worthwhile us Flightmasters contest means end PS enjoyed judging Mr Haughts plane Bill Warner Santa Monica CA Small AnglesAgain read reread Mr Joel Cheslers comments calculations relative article drawing small angles Editor article appeared July issue Mr Cheslers letter September detailed technical dissertation carried excessive length tends discredit procedure its entirety insinuating reader inaccurate therefore useless Mr Cheslers calculations con clusions therefrom strictly aca demic exercise trigonometry precise paper impossible achieve actual drafting practice points out er rors inaccuracies would suitable term procedures does pro pose alternative procedure easy understand layman simple use completely devoid inaccuracies however small text article does imply results using procedures would infinitesimally accurate angles up 900 purposely ended table 100 text purposely re vealed methods computations whereby table procedures evolved believe quite obvious read ers inaccuracies minute proportions entered computations sake simplicity chose round Out original radius 572959 inches 573 inches again 57-5/16 inches Addi tionally dimensions given table also rounded out nearest 1/16th inch Smaller increments inch would have no viable effect procedure As title article indicated method presented drawing small angles no logical reason use method angles 300 450 etc Drawing angles 150 larger incre ments 150 may easily accomplished various arrangements two drafting triangles 30600 450 Inac curacies exist drawing instruments equipment defeating Mr Cheslers quest infinite accuracy personally tested no less ten 180 30600 triangles made well-known firm quite expensive fore found acceptable amount error Using figures given Mr Cheslers table following table indicates both degrees inches actual amount inaccuracy occurring procedures does take account additional cumulative inaccuracies introduced proficiency draftsman accuracy instruments dimensional stabil ity drafting paper other con tributing factors will noted total amount inaccuracy occurring 200 angle procedure intended miniscule properly disregarded entirely Warren D Shipp San Diego CA Gossamer Condor/Berliner continued page 8 hangar working space important mornings little no wind March 1977 flown 1 miles straight line unofficial distance record neither NAA nor FAI has yet recognized other closed-circuit marks July Bryan Allen demonstrated flight take off 20 feet /4-mile flight 1800 turn Continued page 79 Mr Cheslers TableActual Error theActual Error Inches AngleAngleSineAngle Being Drawn End Base DegreesRadiansAngleError DegreesMinutesLine 57 5/16 Long 50870870%00 0 10175174A%031/20 152622591%093/20 203493422%0252/5 305245005%130PA Table indicating amount error method Note degree circle divided 60 minutes 54 Model Aviation NEWS FLASH Bob Smith Chatsworth CA set new World Speed Record oi June 19 Pylon mula 11125 Rev Up 8Yo-6% new Pylon Rac ing prop DIAPITCHPRICE 5%3489 63489 733% 4119 83%456129 94566% 77%139 10467149 106VV 8W149 106EVII159 114877/ 7%7%8159 1166W189 11%67189 126179 126W179 1356319 1456249 1556309 164%6389 W WIDE BLADE EW ETRAuIInF 50L210GLH II foam wing$169550L211GLH II built-up wing $1895 Plus send complete atalog Enclosed is1 whicti refunded NAJiE SBflforlstclesenuil .J handling otherADDRESS nIpi STATE ZIP Continued page 54 mile flight back Soon flying time man-powered airplanes else world able fly mild turbulence despite slow react ing controls late July got around Kremer Prize course looked like great goal truly sight wee hours August 23 1977 dead calm blowing across Shafter Airport San Joaquin Valley final preparations began Men sent out two turning points just over half mile apart Another went out start/finish line hold up 10-ft T-bar over Bryan would have fly beginning end journey meet requirements Royal Aeronauti cal Society truck carrying official observer movie cameraman others sat poised along runway just behind Gossamer Condor 730 am PDT everything ready Bryan Allen began pedalling worth fragile craft quickly lifted off headed away slowly man could easily run beside Over 10-ft marker starting line down field first turning point rounded maybe 50 feet spare Back second turning point negotiated just much room little effort finally over T-bar finish easy landing 7 minutes 22 seconds man reached goal toward striving intensely over 15 years flown under complete control extended period time nothing own power very first time recorded history dream come true small group totally dedicated people imagined created perfected Gos samer Condor others well still see skies frontier conquered still see opportunities clever individuals tackle big challenge own refuse believe thing impossible Long Long Trail/Miller continued page 11 steady self end two days flights being flown scored com petition Lemon first second Dale third Interesting note exact placing finish Finals also could derive strong weak points concentrated efforts After numerous rap repair sessions Lemon determined good breaking airplanes determined Lemon very strong three events Distance Dura tion Speed strong Duration Distance Dale strong Du ration Speed said farewells back went Boulder practice build practice build should note am presi dent small land surveying company Colorado up through December incredibly busy wasnt model airplanes yet Finally work slowed down gan concentrate solely team ef fort South Africa also playing fair amount raquetbell time helps develop quick reflexes keep competitive spirit razor sharp recom mend competitive sport very good training glider competition de velop concentration necessary change bad luck good luck believe inner game competition major obstacle success usually self found myself constantly trying sharpen concentration making up imaginary situations trying work through last detail words Dan Pruss team makes fewest mistakes wins feel nothing important success elimination potential December 1977 79
Edition: Model Aviation - 1977/12
Page Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 54, 79
Ii r ON TUESDAY August 23 1977 air plane quite strange form flew 1 miles just under 7 minutes earn itself very special place aviation history flying face common sense Now practical airplanes impactical airplanes Beech Bonanza very practical GeeBee pretty darned impractical Boeing 747 practical its al sickening Gossamer Con dor probably impractical mind man has yet created Unless find practical win $87000 prize short local flight Gossamer Condor light can taken out its hangar under ideal conditions everything perfect about can expected weird con traption short flight absolutely no Its maximum payload pilot its top speed 10 mph has no instru men have walked moon have powered aircraft Flat Out gross weight 207 lbs pilot Bryan Allen spinning wheels Gossamer Condor attains its 10 mph Empty weight just 70 lbs Larry Crane photo ments cant possibly flown out ground effect Moreover no sign future developments will greater usefulness fact may further developments Does sound like recipe total failure could isnt con trary Gossamer Condor very close total success certainly suc cessful people thought pos sible Its just its goal put mildly shade unusual Strangely enough creation funny flying machine prove far about man about machine greater extent ever before man integral part machine properly designed rigged airplane should able fly hands-off least short periods cant taxi crew catering its whim has known since very first terest manpowered aircraft 16th Century would take something pretty unusual accomplish something pure years since Leonardo daVinci first proposed human engine designs crack-brained inventions doomed failure usually lots rea sons wasnt until middle 20th Century men began attack problem scientifically British industrialist Henry Kremer first offered prize encourage man-powered flight 1959 put up 5000 pounds British subject could fly mile figure-8 course Later raised 10000 pounds opened competition rest world Finally creased prize 50000 pounds began look no would make 6 Model Aviation attempt Through Royal Aero nautical Society has held money issued rules passed judgment tempts end result tens thousands hours very clever effort lot ter ribly talented people Gossamer Condor bears little similarity anything went before stem stern radically different dimen sion shape forces traditional avia tor shake head puzzlement Take matter size example has wingspan almost wing area McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet airliner can carry 100 people close 600 mph can rise off ground maximum weight close 80000 lbs Yet Gossamer Con dor carries its pilot far has lift ed 207 lbs off ground obviously pilot fact its empty weight just 70 lbs turn leads some weird est numbers ever encountered aviation man-powered machines wing loading gross weight hefty 4 ounces per square foot wing contrast Piper J-3 Cub around 6 lbs/sq ft Beech Bonanza lifts almost 19 lbs square foot wing Boeing 747 can lift up 145 lbs square foot Span loading further off normal scale Gossamer Condor just over 2 lbs foot wing span dainty little Cub about 35 lbs Bonanza slightly over 100 lbs majestic 747 4000 lbs real obstacle successful mn powered flight matter power has demonstrated times laboratory proven field about can expected healthy human being around hp short burst less inute lightest piston-engined homebuilt known flying ch development Flying Flea 10-hp motorcycle engine flying weight about 2 times Gossamer Condor such true ultralight airplane seems crude bulky contrast man-powered airplane Construction California craft fairly conventional its breed course lunatic fringe far air plane materials concerned built thin-walled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord covering mostly transparent Mylar plastic film some thin styrofoam held place plastic tape 12-ft 2-in built-up propeller geared down turn just 100 rpm itself must certainly aeronautical record Control craft mainly canard surface combines functions elevator ailerons warping vast wings no rudder such Victory American team wasnt because English Japanese led race since first flight true man-powered airplane 1961 didnt realize what would take win just others didnt believe could go far known direction still have airplane flyable sec ond MPAs fly Englands SUM PACweighed just over 100 lbs 300 sq ft wing Any assumed admira ble logic would mean airplane light its wings would impossible move around breath wind took pair aeronautical PhDs unrestricted atmosphere free-wheel ing southern California carry theory its ridiculous limit succeed others repeatedly failed went wing loading less r man-powered airplane reasoning enough early mornings little no wind desert north Los Angeles allow fly fear being blown next county errant breeze Leading assault impossible December1977 7 Built thinwalled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord wraith-like machine covered Mylar plastic film huge 12 ft 2 propeller geared down turn 100 rpm Wing loading 4 ounces per square foot Earlier version victorious machine did have enclosed fuselage its canard surface line wing picture shows clearly scientifically developed ultralow speed airfoil Its wing loading 1/24th Cub Photograph Don Monroe Dr Paul MacCready Dr Peter Lissaman both graduates aeronautical sciences prestigious California Insti tute Technology Ex-model builder MacCready already big name soaring circles having national champion far back 1948 World Champion 1956 1970 founded Aerovironment Inc specializes drag-reduction devices large trucks pollution studies wind power vortex investigation flight safety Dr Lissaman originally South Africa has earned himself reputation work low-speed aerodynamics sailboats super-light gliders race cars lie did much aerodynamic work Gossamer Condor including development special airfoils wing canard surface propeller pilot 24-year old Bryan Allen experienced bike racer hang-glider pilot 6-ft height 145-lb weight made him ideal candidate signment According careful tests made before began fly Gossamer Con dor one-cylinder Allen engine puts out 12 hp short bursts 45 hp up seven minutes about 35 hp 20-30 minutes 45 hp up seven minutes important flight around I-mile course $87000 Kremer Prize figured take about long Short bursts power gotten dozen other airplanes off ground few capable being flown little howed real promise aside Gossamer Condor course Japanese Stork same weight hero story though less third wing area flown mile early 1977 first ever make full 1800 turn men Aerovironment figured correctly too would take sig nificantly less Bryan Allens 45 hp keep bird flying would have rarest quantities manpowered airplane game something re serve need perform absolute limit power far proven impossible others competition Kremer Prize two-man British Toucan two can should have able never flew enough find out entire story Gossamer Con dor amazingly short first idea came Paul MacCready 1976 watching hawks flight noticed similarity some hang glid ers August 1976 worked out techniques building wing light enough strong enouch large enough job Peter Lissaman joined team design airfoils needed work efficiently very unusual speed range September 1976 completed first version Gossamer Condor wingspan 81 feet empty weight 50 lbs built pavil lion Pasadena Calif floats assembled New Years Day Parade Roses made its first flight parking lot Rose Bowl football stadium just after midnight light rain falling didnt fly very far did fly gave large helping confidence right track De cember 26 1976 after having moved Mojave Airport about 80 miles north Los Angeles MacCreadys son Parker made first long flight about 40 seconds least 500 feet straight line Maximum effort went physical conditioning pilot along ground handling techniques vital such enormous kite February 1977 entire flight oper ation moved Shafter Calif about 15 miles northwest Bakersfield nearly 150 miles home base Aerovi ronment Pasadena Shafter offered Continued page 54 8 Model Aviation beginning end its flight rules required minimum 10 feet altitude crew members holds aloft 10-ft T-bar over Gossamer Condor flying Combining aileron/elevator functionswings also warpcanard surface tilts like free flight tail turn no rudder Flights made calm airany breeze could destructive OUT- PERFORMS ALL OTHERS AT THE 1976 NATIONALS 1st RC Masters Class 1st RC Advanced 1st RC Novice 1st RC Sport Scale 1st Formula Pylon 1st Quarter Midget Pylon 1st CL Stunt Open 1st CL Stunt Senior 1st CL Stunt Junior 1st CL Combat O & Sr 1st CL Slow Comb O & Sr 1st CL Carrier II Op Jr. Sr 1st CL Carrier Jr & Sr 1st CL Clam 0 Speed Open 1st CL Class C Speed Jr & Sr let CL Clats 6 Speed 0p & Sr 1st CL Cl Speed Op Sr Jr 1st CL Formula 40 Open 1st CL Class 6 Proto Jr 1st FF Class 8 Open 1st FF Class C Open HIGH PERFORMANCE * COMPETITION PROVEN * THIN RIGID ULADES QF HARD MAPLE WOOD * SUPeRBLY FINISHED COMPLETELY FUEL PROOF SPECIAL PRO SERIES 2 roe RC-FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE SERIES 400 B FOR SPEED NG ADVANCED DESIGN NO 1 IN PYLON RACING LEADINO SPEED RECORD HOLDER OF ALL TIMES RC PYLON RACING DIA PITCHPRICE 5%3%4129 755h6149 7SN 5%N 6N149 8%8%6%7 7%7%189 96% 7%7%189 CONTROL LINE SPEED & RACING DIAPITCHPRICE 4%6%129 4%55%129 6788%149 77%10%11 169 889189 89N 9%N189 8%77%189 91213219 NNARROW Letters Editor continued page 5 search build scale Maybe have spoiled having grown up flying against guys like Bill 1-lannan Walt Mooney Bill Stroman Russ Barrera on Finally comment flight duration over-emphasized criticism event run AMA rules set up point balance As WACO biplane placed higher 2nd low flight points indoor over couple long-flying Fikes Im sure would agree duration important think essence model meet fun meets tighten up point joy gone such strictness Nats think time fly different event people participate event interaction friends what makes contest worthwhile us Flightmasters contest means end PS enjoyed judging Mr Haughts plane Bill Warner Santa Monica CA Small AnglesAgain read reread Mr Joel Cheslers comments calculations relative article drawing small angles Editor article appeared July issue Mr Cheslers letter September detailed technical dissertation carried excessive length tends discredit procedure its entirety insinuating reader inaccurate therefore useless Mr Cheslers calculations con clusions therefrom strictly aca demic exercise trigonometry precise paper impossible achieve actual drafting practice points out er rors inaccuracies would suitable term procedures does pro pose alternative procedure easy understand layman simple use completely devoid inaccuracies however small text article does imply results using procedures would infinitesimally accurate angles up 900 purposely ended table 100 text purposely re vealed methods computations whereby table procedures evolved believe quite obvious read ers inaccuracies minute proportions entered computations sake simplicity chose round Out original radius 572959 inches 573 inches again 57-5/16 inches Addi tionally dimensions given table also rounded out nearest 1/16th inch Smaller increments inch would have no viable effect procedure As title article indicated method presented drawing small angles no logical reason use method angles 300 450 etc Drawing angles 150 larger incre ments 150 may easily accomplished various arrangements two drafting triangles 30600 450 Inac curacies exist drawing instruments equipment defeating Mr Cheslers quest infinite accuracy personally tested no less ten 180 30600 triangles made well-known firm quite expensive fore found acceptable amount error Using figures given Mr Cheslers table following table indicates both degrees inches actual amount inaccuracy occurring procedures does take account additional cumulative inaccuracies introduced proficiency draftsman accuracy instruments dimensional stabil ity drafting paper other con tributing factors will noted total amount inaccuracy occurring 200 angle procedure intended miniscule properly disregarded entirely Warren D Shipp San Diego CA Gossamer Condor/Berliner continued page 8 hangar working space important mornings little no wind March 1977 flown 1 miles straight line unofficial distance record neither NAA nor FAI has yet recognized other closed-circuit marks July Bryan Allen demonstrated flight take off 20 feet /4-mile flight 1800 turn Continued page 79 Mr Cheslers TableActual Error theActual Error Inches AngleAngleSineAngle Being Drawn End Base DegreesRadiansAngleError DegreesMinutesLine 57 5/16 Long 50870870%00 0 10175174A%031/20 152622591%093/20 203493422%0252/5 305245005%130PA Table indicating amount error method Note degree circle divided 60 minutes 54 Model Aviation NEWS FLASH Bob Smith Chatsworth CA set new World Speed Record oi June 19 Pylon mula 11125 Rev Up 8Yo-6% new Pylon Rac ing prop DIAPITCHPRICE 5%3489 63489 733% 4119 83%456129 94566% 77%139 10467149 106VV 8W149 106EVII159 114877/ 7%7%8159 1166W189 11%67189 126179 126W179 1356319 1456249 1556309 164%6389 W WIDE BLADE EW ETRAuIInF 50L210GLH II foam wing$169550L211GLH II built-up wing $1895 Plus send complete atalog Enclosed is1 whicti refunded NAJiE SBflforlstclesenuil .J handling otherADDRESS nIpi STATE ZIP Continued page 54 mile flight back Soon flying time man-powered airplanes else world able fly mild turbulence despite slow react ing controls late July got around Kremer Prize course looked like great goal truly sight wee hours August 23 1977 dead calm blowing across Shafter Airport San Joaquin Valley final preparations began Men sent out two turning points just over half mile apart Another went out start/finish line hold up 10-ft T-bar over Bryan would have fly beginning end journey meet requirements Royal Aeronauti cal Society truck carrying official observer movie cameraman others sat poised along runway just behind Gossamer Condor 730 am PDT everything ready Bryan Allen began pedalling worth fragile craft quickly lifted off headed away slowly man could easily run beside Over 10-ft marker starting line down field first turning point rounded maybe 50 feet spare Back second turning point negotiated just much room little effort finally over T-bar finish easy landing 7 minutes 22 seconds man reached goal toward striving intensely over 15 years flown under complete control extended period time nothing own power very first time recorded history dream come true small group totally dedicated people imagined created perfected Gos samer Condor others well still see skies frontier conquered still see opportunities clever individuals tackle big challenge own refuse believe thing impossible Long Long Trail/Miller continued page 11 steady self end two days flights being flown scored com petition Lemon first second Dale third Interesting note exact placing finish Finals also could derive strong weak points concentrated efforts After numerous rap repair sessions Lemon determined good breaking airplanes determined Lemon very strong three events Distance Dura tion Speed strong Duration Distance Dale strong Du ration Speed said farewells back went Boulder practice build practice build should note am presi dent small land surveying company Colorado up through December incredibly busy wasnt model airplanes yet Finally work slowed down gan concentrate solely team ef fort South Africa also playing fair amount raquetbell time helps develop quick reflexes keep competitive spirit razor sharp recom mend competitive sport very good training glider competition de velop concentration necessary change bad luck good luck believe inner game competition major obstacle success usually self found myself constantly trying sharpen concentration making up imaginary situations trying work through last detail words Dan Pruss team makes fewest mistakes wins feel nothing important success elimination potential December 1977 79
Edition: Model Aviation - 1977/12
Page Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 54, 79
Ii r ON TUESDAY August 23 1977 air plane quite strange form flew 1 miles just under 7 minutes earn itself very special place aviation history flying face common sense Now practical airplanes impactical airplanes Beech Bonanza very practical GeeBee pretty darned impractical Boeing 747 practical its al sickening Gossamer Con dor probably impractical mind man has yet created Unless find practical win $87000 prize short local flight Gossamer Condor light can taken out its hangar under ideal conditions everything perfect about can expected weird con traption short flight absolutely no Its maximum payload pilot its top speed 10 mph has no instru men have walked moon have powered aircraft Flat Out gross weight 207 lbs pilot Bryan Allen spinning wheels Gossamer Condor attains its 10 mph Empty weight just 70 lbs Larry Crane photo ments cant possibly flown out ground effect Moreover no sign future developments will greater usefulness fact may further developments Does sound like recipe total failure could isnt con trary Gossamer Condor very close total success certainly suc cessful people thought pos sible Its just its goal put mildly shade unusual Strangely enough creation funny flying machine prove far about man about machine greater extent ever before man integral part machine properly designed rigged airplane should able fly hands-off least short periods cant taxi crew catering its whim has known since very first terest manpowered aircraft 16th Century would take something pretty unusual accomplish something pure years since Leonardo daVinci first proposed human engine designs crack-brained inventions doomed failure usually lots rea sons wasnt until middle 20th Century men began attack problem scientifically British industrialist Henry Kremer first offered prize encourage man-powered flight 1959 put up 5000 pounds British subject could fly mile figure-8 course Later raised 10000 pounds opened competition rest world Finally creased prize 50000 pounds began look no would make 6 Model Aviation attempt Through Royal Aero nautical Society has held money issued rules passed judgment tempts end result tens thousands hours very clever effort lot ter ribly talented people Gossamer Condor bears little similarity anything went before stem stern radically different dimen sion shape forces traditional avia tor shake head puzzlement Take matter size example has wingspan almost wing area McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet airliner can carry 100 people close 600 mph can rise off ground maximum weight close 80000 lbs Yet Gossamer Con dor carries its pilot far has lift ed 207 lbs off ground obviously pilot fact its empty weight just 70 lbs turn leads some weird est numbers ever encountered aviation man-powered machines wing loading gross weight hefty 4 ounces per square foot wing contrast Piper J-3 Cub around 6 lbs/sq ft Beech Bonanza lifts almost 19 lbs square foot wing Boeing 747 can lift up 145 lbs square foot Span loading further off normal scale Gossamer Condor just over 2 lbs foot wing span dainty little Cub about 35 lbs Bonanza slightly over 100 lbs majestic 747 4000 lbs real obstacle successful mn powered flight matter power has demonstrated times laboratory proven field about can expected healthy human being around hp short burst less inute lightest piston-engined homebuilt known flying ch development Flying Flea 10-hp motorcycle engine flying weight about 2 times Gossamer Condor such true ultralight airplane seems crude bulky contrast man-powered airplane Construction California craft fairly conventional its breed course lunatic fringe far air plane materials concerned built thin-walled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord covering mostly transparent Mylar plastic film some thin styrofoam held place plastic tape 12-ft 2-in built-up propeller geared down turn just 100 rpm itself must certainly aeronautical record Control craft mainly canard surface combines functions elevator ailerons warping vast wings no rudder such Victory American team wasnt because English Japanese led race since first flight true man-powered airplane 1961 didnt realize what would take win just others didnt believe could go far known direction still have airplane flyable sec ond MPAs fly Englands SUM PACweighed just over 100 lbs 300 sq ft wing Any assumed admira ble logic would mean airplane light its wings would impossible move around breath wind took pair aeronautical PhDs unrestricted atmosphere free-wheel ing southern California carry theory its ridiculous limit succeed others repeatedly failed went wing loading less r man-powered airplane reasoning enough early mornings little no wind desert north Los Angeles allow fly fear being blown next county errant breeze Leading assault impossible December1977 7 Built thinwalled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord wraith-like machine covered Mylar plastic film huge 12 ft 2 propeller geared down turn 100 rpm Wing loading 4 ounces per square foot Earlier version victorious machine did have enclosed fuselage its canard surface line wing picture shows clearly scientifically developed ultralow speed airfoil Its wing loading 1/24th Cub Photograph Don Monroe Dr Paul MacCready Dr Peter Lissaman both graduates aeronautical sciences prestigious California Insti tute Technology Ex-model builder MacCready already big name soaring circles having national champion far back 1948 World Champion 1956 1970 founded Aerovironment Inc specializes drag-reduction devices large trucks pollution studies wind power vortex investigation flight safety Dr Lissaman originally South Africa has earned himself reputation work low-speed aerodynamics sailboats super-light gliders race cars lie did much aerodynamic work Gossamer Condor including development special airfoils wing canard surface propeller pilot 24-year old Bryan Allen experienced bike racer hang-glider pilot 6-ft height 145-lb weight made him ideal candidate signment According careful tests made before began fly Gossamer Con dor one-cylinder Allen engine puts out 12 hp short bursts 45 hp up seven minutes about 35 hp 20-30 minutes 45 hp up seven minutes important flight around I-mile course $87000 Kremer Prize figured take about long Short bursts power gotten dozen other airplanes off ground few capable being flown little howed real promise aside Gossamer Condor course Japanese Stork same weight hero story though less third wing area flown mile early 1977 first ever make full 1800 turn men Aerovironment figured correctly too would take sig nificantly less Bryan Allens 45 hp keep bird flying would have rarest quantities manpowered airplane game something re serve need perform absolute limit power far proven impossible others competition Kremer Prize two-man British Toucan two can should have able never flew enough find out entire story Gossamer Con dor amazingly short first idea came Paul MacCready 1976 watching hawks flight noticed similarity some hang glid ers August 1976 worked out techniques building wing light enough strong enouch large enough job Peter Lissaman joined team design airfoils needed work efficiently very unusual speed range September 1976 completed first version Gossamer Condor wingspan 81 feet empty weight 50 lbs built pavil lion Pasadena Calif floats assembled New Years Day Parade Roses made its first flight parking lot Rose Bowl football stadium just after midnight light rain falling didnt fly very far did fly gave large helping confidence right track De cember 26 1976 after having moved Mojave Airport about 80 miles north Los Angeles MacCreadys son Parker made first long flight about 40 seconds least 500 feet straight line Maximum effort went physical conditioning pilot along ground handling techniques vital such enormous kite February 1977 entire flight oper ation moved Shafter Calif about 15 miles northwest Bakersfield nearly 150 miles home base Aerovi ronment Pasadena Shafter offered Continued page 54 8 Model Aviation beginning end its flight rules required minimum 10 feet altitude crew members holds aloft 10-ft T-bar over Gossamer Condor flying Combining aileron/elevator functionswings also warpcanard surface tilts like free flight tail turn no rudder Flights made calm airany breeze could destructive OUT- PERFORMS ALL OTHERS AT THE 1976 NATIONALS 1st RC Masters Class 1st RC Advanced 1st RC Novice 1st RC Sport Scale 1st Formula Pylon 1st Quarter Midget Pylon 1st CL Stunt Open 1st CL Stunt Senior 1st CL Stunt Junior 1st CL Combat O & Sr 1st CL Slow Comb O & Sr 1st CL Carrier II Op Jr. Sr 1st CL Carrier Jr & Sr 1st CL Clam 0 Speed Open 1st CL Class C Speed Jr & Sr let CL Clats 6 Speed 0p & Sr 1st CL Cl Speed Op Sr Jr 1st CL Formula 40 Open 1st CL Class 6 Proto Jr 1st FF Class 8 Open 1st FF Class C Open HIGH PERFORMANCE * COMPETITION PROVEN * THIN RIGID ULADES QF HARD MAPLE WOOD * SUPeRBLY FINISHED COMPLETELY FUEL PROOF SPECIAL PRO SERIES 2 roe RC-FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE SERIES 400 B FOR SPEED NG ADVANCED DESIGN NO 1 IN PYLON RACING LEADINO SPEED RECORD HOLDER OF ALL TIMES RC PYLON RACING DIA PITCHPRICE 5%3%4129 755h6149 7SN 5%N 6N149 8%8%6%7 7%7%189 96% 7%7%189 CONTROL LINE SPEED & RACING DIAPITCHPRICE 4%6%129 4%55%129 6788%149 77%10%11 169 889189 89N 9%N189 8%77%189 91213219 NNARROW Letters Editor continued page 5 search build scale Maybe have spoiled having grown up flying against guys like Bill 1-lannan Walt Mooney Bill Stroman Russ Barrera on Finally comment flight duration over-emphasized criticism event run AMA rules set up point balance As WACO biplane placed higher 2nd low flight points indoor over couple long-flying Fikes Im sure would agree duration important think essence model meet fun meets tighten up point joy gone such strictness Nats think time fly different event people participate event interaction friends what makes contest worthwhile us Flightmasters contest means end PS enjoyed judging Mr Haughts plane Bill Warner Santa Monica CA Small AnglesAgain read reread Mr Joel Cheslers comments calculations relative article drawing small angles Editor article appeared July issue Mr Cheslers letter September detailed technical dissertation carried excessive length tends discredit procedure its entirety insinuating reader inaccurate therefore useless Mr Cheslers calculations con clusions therefrom strictly aca demic exercise trigonometry precise paper impossible achieve actual drafting practice points out er rors inaccuracies would suitable term procedures does pro pose alternative procedure easy understand layman simple use completely devoid inaccuracies however small text article does imply results using procedures would infinitesimally accurate angles up 900 purposely ended table 100 text purposely re vealed methods computations whereby table procedures evolved believe quite obvious read ers inaccuracies minute proportions entered computations sake simplicity chose round Out original radius 572959 inches 573 inches again 57-5/16 inches Addi tionally dimensions given table also rounded out nearest 1/16th inch Smaller increments inch would have no viable effect procedure As title article indicated method presented drawing small angles no logical reason use method angles 300 450 etc Drawing angles 150 larger incre ments 150 may easily accomplished various arrangements two drafting triangles 30600 450 Inac curacies exist drawing instruments equipment defeating Mr Cheslers quest infinite accuracy personally tested no less ten 180 30600 triangles made well-known firm quite expensive fore found acceptable amount error Using figures given Mr Cheslers table following table indicates both degrees inches actual amount inaccuracy occurring procedures does take account additional cumulative inaccuracies introduced proficiency draftsman accuracy instruments dimensional stabil ity drafting paper other con tributing factors will noted total amount inaccuracy occurring 200 angle procedure intended miniscule properly disregarded entirely Warren D Shipp San Diego CA Gossamer Condor/Berliner continued page 8 hangar working space important mornings little no wind March 1977 flown 1 miles straight line unofficial distance record neither NAA nor FAI has yet recognized other closed-circuit marks July Bryan Allen demonstrated flight take off 20 feet /4-mile flight 1800 turn Continued page 79 Mr Cheslers TableActual Error theActual Error Inches AngleAngleSineAngle Being Drawn End Base DegreesRadiansAngleError DegreesMinutesLine 57 5/16 Long 50870870%00 0 10175174A%031/20 152622591%093/20 203493422%0252/5 305245005%130PA Table indicating amount error method Note degree circle divided 60 minutes 54 Model Aviation NEWS FLASH Bob Smith Chatsworth CA set new World Speed Record oi June 19 Pylon mula 11125 Rev Up 8Yo-6% new Pylon Rac ing prop DIAPITCHPRICE 5%3489 63489 733% 4119 83%456129 94566% 77%139 10467149 106VV 8W149 106EVII159 114877/ 7%7%8159 1166W189 11%67189 126179 126W179 1356319 1456249 1556309 164%6389 W WIDE BLADE EW ETRAuIInF 50L210GLH II foam wing$169550L211GLH II built-up wing $1895 Plus send complete atalog Enclosed is1 whicti refunded NAJiE SBflforlstclesenuil .J handling otherADDRESS nIpi STATE ZIP Continued page 54 mile flight back Soon flying time man-powered airplanes else world able fly mild turbulence despite slow react ing controls late July got around Kremer Prize course looked like great goal truly sight wee hours August 23 1977 dead calm blowing across Shafter Airport San Joaquin Valley final preparations began Men sent out two turning points just over half mile apart Another went out start/finish line hold up 10-ft T-bar over Bryan would have fly beginning end journey meet requirements Royal Aeronauti cal Society truck carrying official observer movie cameraman others sat poised along runway just behind Gossamer Condor 730 am PDT everything ready Bryan Allen began pedalling worth fragile craft quickly lifted off headed away slowly man could easily run beside Over 10-ft marker starting line down field first turning point rounded maybe 50 feet spare Back second turning point negotiated just much room little effort finally over T-bar finish easy landing 7 minutes 22 seconds man reached goal toward striving intensely over 15 years flown under complete control extended period time nothing own power very first time recorded history dream come true small group totally dedicated people imagined created perfected Gos samer Condor others well still see skies frontier conquered still see opportunities clever individuals tackle big challenge own refuse believe thing impossible Long Long Trail/Miller continued page 11 steady self end two days flights being flown scored com petition Lemon first second Dale third Interesting note exact placing finish Finals also could derive strong weak points concentrated efforts After numerous rap repair sessions Lemon determined good breaking airplanes determined Lemon very strong three events Distance Dura tion Speed strong Duration Distance Dale strong Du ration Speed said farewells back went Boulder practice build practice build should note am presi dent small land surveying company Colorado up through December incredibly busy wasnt model airplanes yet Finally work slowed down gan concentrate solely team ef fort South Africa also playing fair amount raquetbell time helps develop quick reflexes keep competitive spirit razor sharp recom mend competitive sport very good training glider competition de velop concentration necessary change bad luck good luck believe inner game competition major obstacle success usually self found myself constantly trying sharpen concentration making up imaginary situations trying work through last detail words Dan Pruss team makes fewest mistakes wins feel nothing important success elimination potential December 1977 79
Edition: Model Aviation - 1977/12
Page Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 54, 79
Ii r ON TUESDAY August 23 1977 air plane quite strange form flew 1 miles just under 7 minutes earn itself very special place aviation history flying face common sense Now practical airplanes impactical airplanes Beech Bonanza very practical GeeBee pretty darned impractical Boeing 747 practical its al sickening Gossamer Con dor probably impractical mind man has yet created Unless find practical win $87000 prize short local flight Gossamer Condor light can taken out its hangar under ideal conditions everything perfect about can expected weird con traption short flight absolutely no Its maximum payload pilot its top speed 10 mph has no instru men have walked moon have powered aircraft Flat Out gross weight 207 lbs pilot Bryan Allen spinning wheels Gossamer Condor attains its 10 mph Empty weight just 70 lbs Larry Crane photo ments cant possibly flown out ground effect Moreover no sign future developments will greater usefulness fact may further developments Does sound like recipe total failure could isnt con trary Gossamer Condor very close total success certainly suc cessful people thought pos sible Its just its goal put mildly shade unusual Strangely enough creation funny flying machine prove far about man about machine greater extent ever before man integral part machine properly designed rigged airplane should able fly hands-off least short periods cant taxi crew catering its whim has known since very first terest manpowered aircraft 16th Century would take something pretty unusual accomplish something pure years since Leonardo daVinci first proposed human engine designs crack-brained inventions doomed failure usually lots rea sons wasnt until middle 20th Century men began attack problem scientifically British industrialist Henry Kremer first offered prize encourage man-powered flight 1959 put up 5000 pounds British subject could fly mile figure-8 course Later raised 10000 pounds opened competition rest world Finally creased prize 50000 pounds began look no would make 6 Model Aviation attempt Through Royal Aero nautical Society has held money issued rules passed judgment tempts end result tens thousands hours very clever effort lot ter ribly talented people Gossamer Condor bears little similarity anything went before stem stern radically different dimen sion shape forces traditional avia tor shake head puzzlement Take matter size example has wingspan almost wing area McDonnell-Douglas DC-9 jet airliner can carry 100 people close 600 mph can rise off ground maximum weight close 80000 lbs Yet Gossamer Con dor carries its pilot far has lift ed 207 lbs off ground obviously pilot fact its empty weight just 70 lbs turn leads some weird est numbers ever encountered aviation man-powered machines wing loading gross weight hefty 4 ounces per square foot wing contrast Piper J-3 Cub around 6 lbs/sq ft Beech Bonanza lifts almost 19 lbs square foot wing Boeing 747 can lift up 145 lbs square foot Span loading further off normal scale Gossamer Condor just over 2 lbs foot wing span dainty little Cub about 35 lbs Bonanza slightly over 100 lbs majestic 747 4000 lbs real obstacle successful mn powered flight matter power has demonstrated times laboratory proven field about can expected healthy human being around hp short burst less inute lightest piston-engined homebuilt known flying ch development Flying Flea 10-hp motorcycle engine flying weight about 2 times Gossamer Condor such true ultralight airplane seems crude bulky contrast man-powered airplane Construction California craft fairly conventional its breed course lunatic fringe far air plane materials concerned built thin-walled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord covering mostly transparent Mylar plastic film some thin styrofoam held place plastic tape 12-ft 2-in built-up propeller geared down turn just 100 rpm itself must certainly aeronautical record Control craft mainly canard surface combines functions elevator ailerons warping vast wings no rudder such Victory American team wasnt because English Japanese led race since first flight true man-powered airplane 1961 didnt realize what would take win just others didnt believe could go far known direction still have airplane flyable sec ond MPAs fly Englands SUM PACweighed just over 100 lbs 300 sq ft wing Any assumed admira ble logic would mean airplane light its wings would impossible move around breath wind took pair aeronautical PhDs unrestricted atmosphere free-wheel ing southern California carry theory its ridiculous limit succeed others repeatedly failed went wing loading less r man-powered airplane reasoning enough early mornings little no wind desert north Los Angeles allow fly fear being blown next county errant breeze Leading assault impossible December1977 7 Built thinwalled aluminum tubing balsa wood corrugated paper supported piano wire nylon cord wraith-like machine covered Mylar plastic film huge 12 ft 2 propeller geared down turn 100 rpm Wing loading 4 ounces per square foot Earlier version victorious machine did have enclosed fuselage its canard surface line wing picture shows clearly scientifically developed ultralow speed airfoil Its wing loading 1/24th Cub Photograph Don Monroe Dr Paul MacCready Dr Peter Lissaman both graduates aeronautical sciences prestigious California Insti tute Technology Ex-model builder MacCready already big name soaring circles having national champion far back 1948 World Champion 1956 1970 founded Aerovironment Inc specializes drag-reduction devices large trucks pollution studies wind power vortex investigation flight safety Dr Lissaman originally South Africa has earned himself reputation work low-speed aerodynamics sailboats super-light gliders race cars lie did much aerodynamic work Gossamer Condor including development special airfoils wing canard surface propeller pilot 24-year old Bryan Allen experienced bike racer hang-glider pilot 6-ft height 145-lb weight made him ideal candidate signment According careful tests made before began fly Gossamer Con dor one-cylinder Allen engine puts out 12 hp short bursts 45 hp up seven minutes about 35 hp 20-30 minutes 45 hp up seven minutes important flight around I-mile course $87000 Kremer Prize figured take about long Short bursts power gotten dozen other airplanes off ground few capable being flown little howed real promise aside Gossamer Condor course Japanese Stork same weight hero story though less third wing area flown mile early 1977 first ever make full 1800 turn men Aerovironment figured correctly too would take sig nificantly less Bryan Allens 45 hp keep bird flying would have rarest quantities manpowered airplane game something re serve need perform absolute limit power far proven impossible others competition Kremer Prize two-man British Toucan two can should have able never flew enough find out entire story Gossamer Con dor amazingly short first idea came Paul MacCready 1976 watching hawks flight noticed similarity some hang glid ers August 1976 worked out techniques building wing light enough strong enouch large enough job Peter Lissaman joined team design airfoils needed work efficiently very unusual speed range September 1976 completed first version Gossamer Condor wingspan 81 feet empty weight 50 lbs built pavil lion Pasadena Calif floats assembled New Years Day Parade Roses made its first flight parking lot Rose Bowl football stadium just after midnight light rain falling didnt fly very far did fly gave large helping confidence right track De cember 26 1976 after having moved Mojave Airport about 80 miles north Los Angeles MacCreadys son Parker made first long flight about 40 seconds least 500 feet straight line Maximum effort went physical conditioning pilot along ground handling techniques vital such enormous kite February 1977 entire flight oper ation moved Shafter Calif about 15 miles northwest Bakersfield nearly 150 miles home base Aerovi ronment Pasadena Shafter offered Continued page 54 8 Model Aviation beginning end its flight rules required minimum 10 feet altitude crew members holds aloft 10-ft T-bar over Gossamer Condor flying Combining aileron/elevator functionswings also warpcanard surface tilts like free flight tail turn no rudder Flights made calm airany breeze could destructive OUT- PERFORMS ALL OTHERS AT THE 1976 NATIONALS 1st RC Masters Class 1st RC Advanced 1st RC Novice 1st RC Sport Scale 1st Formula Pylon 1st Quarter Midget Pylon 1st CL Stunt Open 1st CL Stunt Senior 1st CL Stunt Junior 1st CL Combat O & Sr 1st CL Slow Comb O & Sr 1st CL Carrier II Op Jr. Sr 1st CL Carrier Jr & Sr 1st CL Clam 0 Speed Open 1st CL Class C Speed Jr & Sr let CL Clats 6 Speed 0p & Sr 1st CL Cl Speed Op Sr Jr 1st CL Formula 40 Open 1st CL Class 6 Proto Jr 1st FF Class 8 Open 1st FF Class C Open HIGH PERFORMANCE * COMPETITION PROVEN * THIN RIGID ULADES QF HARD MAPLE WOOD * SUPeRBLY FINISHED COMPLETELY FUEL PROOF SPECIAL PRO SERIES 2 roe RC-FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE SERIES 400 B FOR SPEED NG ADVANCED DESIGN NO 1 IN PYLON RACING LEADINO SPEED RECORD HOLDER OF ALL TIMES RC PYLON RACING DIA PITCHPRICE 5%3%4129 755h6149 7SN 5%N 6N149 8%8%6%7 7%7%189 96% 7%7%189 CONTROL LINE SPEED & RACING DIAPITCHPRICE 4%6%129 4%55%129 6788%149 77%10%11 169 889189 89N 9%N189 8%77%189 91213219 NNARROW Letters Editor continued page 5 search build scale Maybe have spoiled having grown up flying against guys like Bill 1-lannan Walt Mooney Bill Stroman Russ Barrera on Finally comment flight duration over-emphasized criticism event run AMA rules set up point balance As WACO biplane placed higher 2nd low flight points indoor over couple long-flying Fikes Im sure would agree duration important think essence model meet fun meets tighten up point joy gone such strictness Nats think time fly different event people participate event interaction friends what makes contest worthwhile us Flightmasters contest means end PS enjoyed judging Mr Haughts plane Bill Warner Santa Monica CA Small AnglesAgain read reread Mr Joel Cheslers comments calculations relative article drawing small angles Editor article appeared July issue Mr Cheslers letter September detailed technical dissertation carried excessive length tends discredit procedure its entirety insinuating reader inaccurate therefore useless Mr Cheslers calculations con clusions therefrom strictly aca demic exercise trigonometry precise paper impossible achieve actual drafting practice points out er rors inaccuracies would suitable term procedures does pro pose alternative procedure easy understand layman simple use completely devoid inaccuracies however small text article does imply results using procedures would infinitesimally accurate angles up 900 purposely ended table 100 text purposely re vealed methods computations whereby table procedures evolved believe quite obvious read ers inaccuracies minute proportions entered computations sake simplicity chose round Out original radius 572959 inches 573 inches again 57-5/16 inches Addi tionally dimensions given table also rounded out nearest 1/16th inch Smaller increments inch would have no viable effect procedure As title article indicated method presented drawing small angles no logical reason use method angles 300 450 etc Drawing angles 150 larger incre ments 150 may easily accomplished various arrangements two drafting triangles 30600 450 Inac curacies exist drawing instruments equipment defeating Mr Cheslers quest infinite accuracy personally tested no less ten 180 30600 triangles made well-known firm quite expensive fore found acceptable amount error Using figures given Mr Cheslers table following table indicates both degrees inches actual amount inaccuracy occurring procedures does take account additional cumulative inaccuracies introduced proficiency draftsman accuracy instruments dimensional stabil ity drafting paper other con tributing factors will noted total amount inaccuracy occurring 200 angle procedure intended miniscule properly disregarded entirely Warren D Shipp San Diego CA Gossamer Condor/Berliner continued page 8 hangar working space important mornings little no wind March 1977 flown 1 miles straight line unofficial distance record neither NAA nor FAI has yet recognized other closed-circuit marks July Bryan Allen demonstrated flight take off 20 feet /4-mile flight 1800 turn Continued page 79 Mr Cheslers TableActual Error theActual Error Inches AngleAngleSineAngle Being Drawn End Base DegreesRadiansAngleError DegreesMinutesLine 57 5/16 Long 50870870%00 0 10175174A%031/20 152622591%093/20 203493422%0252/5 305245005%130PA Table indicating amount error method Note degree circle divided 60 minutes 54 Model Aviation NEWS FLASH Bob Smith Chatsworth CA set new World Speed Record oi June 19 Pylon mula 11125 Rev Up 8Yo-6% new Pylon Rac ing prop DIAPITCHPRICE 5%3489 63489 733% 4119 83%456129 94566% 77%139 10467149 106VV 8W149 106EVII159 114877/ 7%7%8159 1166W189 11%67189 126179 126W179 1356319 1456249 1556309 164%6389 W WIDE BLADE EW ETRAuIInF 50L210GLH II foam wing$169550L211GLH II built-up wing $1895 Plus send complete atalog Enclosed is1 whicti refunded NAJiE SBflforlstclesenuil .J handling otherADDRESS nIpi STATE ZIP Continued page 54 mile flight back Soon flying time man-powered airplanes else world able fly mild turbulence despite slow react ing controls late July got around Kremer Prize course looked like great goal truly sight wee hours August 23 1977 dead calm blowing across Shafter Airport San Joaquin Valley final preparations began Men sent out two turning points just over half mile apart Another went out start/finish line hold up 10-ft T-bar over Bryan would have fly beginning end journey meet requirements Royal Aeronauti cal Society truck carrying official observer movie cameraman others sat poised along runway just behind Gossamer Condor 730 am PDT everything ready Bryan Allen began pedalling worth fragile craft quickly lifted off headed away slowly man could easily run beside Over 10-ft marker starting line down field first turning point rounded maybe 50 feet spare Back second turning point negotiated just much room little effort finally over T-bar finish easy landing 7 minutes 22 seconds man reached goal toward striving intensely over 15 years flown under complete control extended period time nothing own power very first time recorded history dream come true small group totally dedicated people imagined created perfected Gos samer Condor others well still see skies frontier conquered still see opportunities clever individuals tackle big challenge own refuse believe thing impossible Long Long Trail/Miller continued page 11 steady self end two days flights being flown scored com petition Lemon first second Dale third Interesting note exact placing finish Finals also could derive strong weak points concentrated efforts After numerous rap repair sessions Lemon determined good breaking airplanes determined Lemon very strong three events Distance Dura tion Speed strong Duration Distance Dale strong Du ration Speed said farewells back went Boulder practice build practice build should note am presi dent small land surveying company Colorado up through December incredibly busy wasnt model airplanes yet Finally work slowed down gan concentrate solely team ef fort South Africa also playing fair amount raquetbell time helps develop quick reflexes keep competitive spirit razor sharp recom mend competitive sport very good training glider competition de velop concentration necessary change bad luck good luck believe inner game competition major obstacle success usually self found myself constantly trying sharpen concentration making up imaginary situations trying work through last detail words Dan Pruss team makes fewest mistakes wins feel nothing important success elimination potential December 1977 79