Throw gliders — a fun little side activity

The designer, Lee Hines, certainly has the most experience in this field. Competitions in this category have been held in some countries since 1965 (Germany, England, the United States, etc.). MG-Zürich has already held internal competitions, during which flights out of sight occurred.

The wing shape is cut from a single piece of soft balsa wood, 6 x 100 mm. All shaping is done on the entire wing. Afterward, the bends are cut, and the front angles are sanded precisely using appropriate shims. The tailplane parts are best sanded to shape on a glass plate. The fuselage is cut from a hard balsa board, 6 mm thick, and sanded. The wings and fuselage are coated 3–4 times with varnish. Sand with fine-grit sandpaper after each coat. Sand the tail assembly parts only twice. The weight of a throw glider is 21–26 g for calm weather and 28–34 g for rough weather.

The elevator and horizontal stabilizer are glued only to the front half. The center of gravity is located 55 mm from the leading edge of the wing. It is recommended to glue on a little extra lead, which can be sanded down during trim adjustments. Angle adjustments can now be made to the elevator (cut out or insert a tab). During gliding flight, the model should fly in a slight right turn.

To launch the glider, place your index finger in the recess on the trailing edge; hold the fuselage with your thumb and middle finger against the sandpaper. With our arm extended downward and backward, we run a few steps forward and fling the glider forward with a powerful arm rotation, releasing it at head height. Achievable altitude: 15–20 meters. Not every launch will be successful, as this, too, requires practice and training.

Following the Regional High-Launch Competition on May 6, 1973, we will hold a contest between the last launch and the announcement of the results. There will be 10 launches; the 5 best will be scored. Maximum flight time: 90 seconds.

I hope everyone has fun building and flying. W. Heise