Micro Sagitta XC

[dutchmonkey]

I got the bug again to play with balsa and here is what I am working on it is a 26% Sagitta XC (175" span). I am using some old free flight building techniques for the wing "cracked-rib" to ease build and shave weight. I am going to be be building this from sheets I have sitting around. Wing span is going to be 47", root is 3 1/2" and fuse length is 17" it will have a full flying stab just like its masive brother. Here are a few solid-works images to show what is should look like. I also just got a pair of wil-kro razor planes that help make short work of the trailing edge.

 

[dutchmonkey]

I also got the spar and lower section of wing assembled

 

[Joker 53150]

I really like the style of that plane! Is your building board magnetic?

 

[dutchmonkey]

The board is steel I just use magnets I got from Walmart and harbor freight. I got the wing done it still needs sanding but tips the scales at 17g here is a couple of pics next to my micro wanderer.

 

[Userofmuchtape&glue]

I am in the market for a mid size glider, will be watching...

 

[dutchmonkey]

here is the wing on the fuse still working on the tail

 

[dutchmonkey]

Almost got her done just need to put in electronic's right now she is 34.1 grams should come in around 46 to 49 grams.

 

[Joker 53150]

Very nice!

 

[dutchmonkey]

Ok all up weight is 47.3 grams. No flight yet 25mph wind with 50mph gusts

 

[Userofmuchtape&glue]

That is LIGHT!!! good job!

 

[dutchmonkey]

Well it flies great I need to rebuild the stab I built it too thin and light. It goes straight up on my micro hi-start here is a couple of videos

https://youtu.be/SpkAr1C4pjI

https://youtu.be/wd2mD04gS-c

 

[roversgonemad]

On a light wind day, that thing would be half way to the moon at point of the mountain!! That's a great looking glider!

 

[DarkFire]

What is a Hi-start? From the videos i can guess that it is a sort of winch launch. Is that correct?

Thanks,
Dark

 

[Joker 53150]

Picture a giant rubber band with one end anchored in the ground and the other attached to the plane with a release mechanism. The plane is launched with the rubberband, which falls away as the plane reaches altitude.

 

[roversgonemad]

A hi-start is a tool designed to rapidly disintegrate balsa gliders if you aren't quick on the rudder! It's also a way to get your plane into the sky with a motor or a tow plane. Mine is more of an exercise tool, since I am not so good at catching thermals.....