Copyright 2010 © All rights reserved. Created by Brett Robinson.
Slope Soaring
Electric Models
What is Slope Soaring?
Prevailing wind strikes the slope and as it cannot pass through the slope, it is then forced up and over.
It is in this section of upward moving air that LIFT is produced.
The amount of lift produced is dependant on certain factors, such as windspeed, shape of the slope and air temperature. A wind of 30km/h is sufficient to create a updraught of 30km/h, which is why slope soarers are able to attain height quickly and then dive down, converting the height into speed.
A slope where the wind strikes dead-on (perpendicular to the slope) is ideal, as a side-on wind will greatly reduce the amount of lift produced by the slope.
A slope with a concave "Bowl" will compress the wind as it is funneled up the slope and create even better lift.
A good prevailing wind will provide hours of lift for slope soaring.
The lift-band can extend away from the slope for several hundred metres and way up above the top of the slope. This makes for a large flying area.
As the wind recedes, the lift will start to drop-off and then it is time to head back to land on top of the slope.
Slope soaring is, perhaps, the cheapest form of soaring with almost indestructible ‘foamie’ models available for around the $100.00 mark They also only require a ‘basic’ 2 channel radio set.
Prevailing wind strikes the slope and as it cannot pass through the slope, it is then forced up and over.
It is in this section of upward moving air that LIFT is produced.
The amount of lift produced is dependant on certain factors, such as windspeed, shape of the slope and air temperature. A wind of 30km/h is sufficient to create a updraught of 30km/h, which is why slope soarers are able to attain height quickly and then dive down, converting the height into speed.
A slope where the wind strikes dead-on (perpendicular to the slope) is ideal, as a side-on wind will greatly reduce the amount of lift produced by the slope.
A slope with a concave "Bowl" will compress the wind as it is funneled up the slope and create even better lift.
A good prevailing wind will provide hours of lift for slope soaring.
The lift-band can extend away from the slope for several hundred metres and way up above the top of the slope. This makes for a large flying area.
As the wind recedes, the lift will start to drop-off and then it is time to head back to land on top of the slope.
Slope soaring is, perhaps, the cheapest form of soaring with almost indestructible ‘foamie’ models available for around the $100.00 mark They also only require a ‘basic’ 2 channel radio set.
Thermal soaring is the core activity within the club.
However it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it.
For the beginner, a good way to start off is with a 2-metre balsa model.
The model (in kitset form) together with a basic radio control unit and a rubber bungee for launching, generally involves an outlay of around $300.00~$500.00.
However it can be as cheap or as expensive as you want to make it.
For the beginner, a good way to start off is with a 2-metre balsa model.
The model (in kitset form) together with a basic radio control unit and a rubber bungee for launching, generally involves an outlay of around $300.00~$500.00.
Once the RES model has been mastered you can move onto a moulded Thermal Soarer. These are generally imported and can cost up to $2000.00 or more - excluding the radio gear.
Once the 2 metre has been mastered you can move onto an RES type of model. (RES stands for Rudder - Elevator - Spoiler)
These types of models are, like the 2 metre, generally of built up balsa construction.
At this point a winch for launching the model will also have to be purchased.
These types of models are, like the 2 metre, generally of built up balsa construction.
At this point a winch for launching the model will also have to be purchased.
AucklandSoar members usually use Mangere Mountain for slope flying.
(click on name to view a map of the mountain.)
(click on name to view a map of the mountain.)
Once you have that moulded model and a winch, (depending on the design) - you can then participate in FAI international F3B and F3J Soaring Events.
(left) Basic 2 metre
(below) standard rubber bungy.
ectric Yak
(left) RES model
(right) Two types of moulded models
(above) 3 Weasel foamie slope models
(below) getting a weasel into the air.
Bel;ow)
(above)
Basics required for electric flight
Basic foamie electric model
Vintage electric model
Built-up construction electric sailplane
Profile foamie electric model
