BBerson
Light Plane Philosopher
I was thinking about the smallest practical fun glider and remembering the old contest winning 36' span "Screaming Wiener" https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_City_Glider_Club_Screaming_Wiener.
It must have been highly maneuverable and fun to fly. Much easier to build and own a smaller size.
So then imagine a small glider with an engine. It could be even smaller because who cares what the glide ratio is when you have an engine? The purpose would be just to climb high and glide down doing loops and whatever between clouds and then landing unpowered. No soaring normally, unless strong lift.
So say about 30'-32' span (or less?) with a VW engine. Say 90-100 sq. ft. In other words, a smaller and lighter RF-3, for example.
Any other motor gliders like that?
It must have been highly maneuverable and fun to fly. Much easier to build and own a smaller size.
So then imagine a small glider with an engine. It could be even smaller because who cares what the glide ratio is when you have an engine? The purpose would be just to climb high and glide down doing loops and whatever between clouds and then landing unpowered. No soaring normally, unless strong lift.
So say about 30'-32' span (or less?) with a VW engine. Say 90-100 sq. ft. In other words, a smaller and lighter RF-3, for example.
Any other motor gliders like that?