EuroCup GPS – The Future of Large Gliders

The GPS system used must be a “Skynavigator” system, which transmits the pilot’s position in real time, along with all desired flight parameters: altitude, rate of climb, rate of descent, horizontal speed, etc. Each competitor programs the satellite positions of the waypoints they must fly into their system. The model is therefore equipped with a GPS unit featuring a 433 MHz transmitter module that sends the parameters to the ground via a receiver connected to a Pocket PC. The pilot can view or listen to the necessary data, as if he were aboard his model. This allows him to determine his location along the route at any time.

This year, the EuroCup GPS tour will visit Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland (http://www.gps-eurocup.ch). A round organized by Mac Bienne took place on April 13 near Aarberg. Twelve registered pilots competed in five thrilling 30-minute heats. While the sun was out, the crosswind posed many challenges for the competitors. We saw landings in fields, in trees, and with the wind at their backs. The tow planes were also affected. A few repairs had to be made. Despite everything, every pilot got their fill of flying, which is rarely the case in competition.

Thanks to GPS, it’s extremely valuable to be able to optimize your glider’s performance. You can now actually measure what you could previously only estimate. Of course, you can also use the system for slope flying. Physical waypoints become virtual, allowing pilots to avoid flying over fields—which can damage crops—or to fly in mountainous areas that are otherwise inaccessible. With five 30-minute rounds, every pilot gets their fill of flying, which is rarely the case in competition.

Most of the models used are commercially available, with a few homemade ones such as the SB-14, SB-10, or Ventus. It soon becomes difficult to tell the molded models from the others, such is the high quality of the models. The friendly atmosphere at these gatherings leads to passionate discussions about weight and airfoil profiles, even though the scale model constraints prevent reducing the fuselage surfaces. One quickly notices the difference in size at the scale of free-class gliders such as the SB-10. Flight performance still takes precedence over model selection. The Duo-Discus and DG-1000 still have every chance of placing well in the rankings. Using and programming GPS devices isn’t always as easy as it seems.

Fortunately, the Skynavigator’s creator was there to resolve a few minor issues.

The concept of GPS-assisted triangular flight opens up new possibilities. We’ve long awaited the ability to measure our models’ flight parameters in real time. Furthermore, this technology allows for the development of tactical strategies thanks to the transmission of the glider’s performance data to the ground.

Having a dashboard in front of you gives the feeling of being at the controls of a real aircraft. The scale model requirement imposed by the rules currently prevents an arms race. These events foster, above all, camaraderie and exchanges among modelers. Kudos also to the tow pilots and organizers who actively contributed to the success of this event.

Thierry Ruef/Rolf Mäder