DOCSLIB.ORG

Design and Implementation of a Low Cost Thermal Soaring System for Uninhabited Aircraft

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Design and Implementation of a Low Cost Thermal Soaring System for Uninhabited Aircraft DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOW COST THERMAL SOARING SYSTEM FOR UNINHABITED AIRCRAFT A Thesis by Zachary Robert Timm Hazen Bachelor of Science, University of Colorado Boulder, 2007 Submitted to the Department of Aerospace Engineering and the faculty of the Graduate School of Wichita State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science May 2012 © Copyright 2012 by Zachary Hazen All Rights Reserved DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LOW COST THERMAL SOARING SYSTEM FOR UNINHABITED AIRCRAFT The following faculty members have examined the final copy of this thesis for form and content, and recommend that it be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science with a major in Aerospace Engineering. _________________________________ Leonard Scott Miller, Committee Chair _________________________________ Kamran Rokhsaz, Committee Member _________________________________ John Watkins, Committee Member iii Flock together, soar forever. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many thanks are due to several individuals that made my pursuit of this work possible. Kevin Hagen provided manufacturing and operations support well beyond his age. I hope that you learned and enjoyed crashing planes with me, Kevin. You are ahead of the curve. Thanks to Dr. Miller for allowing a student with a big idea to bury himself in it. I could not have learned as much as I have without your guidance, support, and genuine enthusiasm (which can be rare in professionals in your position). Thanks to Jimmy Prouty of Hangar 18 UAV, who provided ground crew support, donated a vehicle to the project, helped me build prototypes, and flew my UAVs on several occasions when my head was buried in the ground computer data. Jimmy you and your planes rock. Period. Thanks to Ashley Archiopoli for encouraging me to pursue my Master’s Thesis and supporting my efforts. Thanks to Steve Morris of MLB Co for providing helpful insight into the problem of UAV soaring, helping me find a suitable test site in Northern California, and always offering any resources that could help me in my crazy pursuit to get robotic birds soaring together. Many thanks to Austin Howard and Jen Founds for providing ground crew support. I’m glad we finally got your Jetta out of the cow farm mud, Jen. Thanks to Jordan Jensen for building wings for the CoSoar III and IV. I hope you enjoyed learning the vacuum bagging process and get to apply it to a cool model in the future. Thanks to my committee for making time for me in a compressed schedule for my oral defense, and providing valuable feedback on my work on the whole. Huge Thanks to Meabon Burns, PE, for not only editing my work over many hours of her personal time, but for helping me stay focused on the goal at hand. Your work ethic is contagious. Thanks to Michael Allen and Dan Edwards. You guys helped inspire me to work on autonomous soaring. Finally, I would like to thank all of the students I met while assistant teaching at Wichita State. You guys sure know how to mess up a lab but you also do a great job keeping me grounded with the perspective and unspoiled imagination that undergraduate aerospace students possess – looking skyward and thinking of your senior design/DBF plane. It was a pleasure working with each and every one of you. v ABSTRACT The use of atmospheric updrafts as an energy source for long endurance flight has proven to be extremely advantageous for birds, remote control sailplanes, and manned soaring vehicles. Recent research conducted by Michael Allen at NASA and Dr. Dan Edwards at North Carolina State University has demonstrated the viability of using a UAV to search for, detect, and gain altitude using thermal updrafts. This approach can be taken a step further by introducing multiple cooperating vehicles to reduce the time spent searching for thermal lift while simultaneously increasing the time spent in thermal lift gaining altitude and/or saving fuel. UAV missions calling for multiple vehicles can use this approach to reduce the demand for on board energy storage by using environmental energy more effectively than a vehicle flying alone. This research aims to complement existing autonomous soaring efforts by developing a low cost thermal soaring system that is capable of working with single or multiple cooperating vehicles to find and utilize thermal updrafts. Early simulations developed to validate this idea have given rise to further analysis and experimentation with two custom airframes, each equipped with instruments to detect updrafts and autonomous capabilities to test cooperative soaring algorithms in the real world. The system developed used a sub $1000 commercial off- the-shelf autopilot and custom ground control software to achieve many autonomous soaring flights with a single vehicle. Several flights with two autonomous vehicles were also performed and cooperative behavior was demonstrated. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page 1. BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Energy Demands on Small UAVs ....................................................................................1 1.2 Thermal Soaring in Manned Aircraft and Nature ..............................................................3 1.3 Previous Work in UAV Thermal Soaring .........................................................................4 2. AUTONOMOUS SOARING IN SIMULATION .................................................................. 7 2.1 Motivation .......................................................................................................................7 2.2 Simulation Architecture ...................................................................................................7 2.3 Modeling the Convective Boundary Layer .......................................................................8 2.4 Modeling the UAV and Autopilot .................................................................................. 11 2.5 Thermal Soaring Controller Development ...................................................................... 13 2.6 Simulation Parameters and Results................................................................................. 19 3. AUTONOMOUS SOARING IN PRACTICE ...................................................................... 26 3.1 Experiment Goals and Limitations ................................................................................. 26 3.2 Hardware Selection ........................................................................................................ 28 3.3 Software Development ................................................................................................... 35 4. RESULTS ........................................................................................................................... 39 4.1 Single Vehicle Soaring................................................................................................... 39 4.2 Cooperative Soaring....................................................................................................... 45 5. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................. 49 5.1 Review of Major Findings.............................................................................................. 49 5.2 Future Work .................................................................................................................. 50 5.3 Lessons Learned ............................................................................................................ 52 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 55 vii TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) Chapter Page APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 56 Project Timeline .................................................................................................................... 57 viii LIST OF TABLES Chapter Page Table 1 - Energy Generation Strategies to Improve the Usefulness of Small UAVs .....................2 Table 2 - Comparison of airframes and autopilots among Autonomous soaring projects ..............5 Table 3 -Thermal Model Parameters.......................................................................................... 10 Table 4 - Cooperative Control Logic ......................................................................................... 17 Table 5 - Simulation Parameters ................................................................................................ 19 Table 6 - Noteworthy Attributes of May 8th 2010 Autonomous Soaring Flight ......................... 41 Table 7 - Summary of requirements and results of cooperative soaring experiments .................. 48 ix LIST OF FIGURES Chapter Page Figure 1 - 3 Paragliders Work COOPERATIVELY to Core a Thermal (7) ..................................4 Figure 2 - Simulation Architecture ..............................................................................................8 Figure 3 - Thermal field produced using the NASA thermal model .............................................9 Figure 4 - SBXC speed polar as measured by Dan Edwards ...................................................... 12 Figure 5 - The SBXC, which was modeled in simulation ..........................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Soaring Weather
    Chapter 16 SOARING WEATHER While horse racing may be the "Sport of Kings," of the craft depends on the weather and the skill soaring may be considered the "King of Sports." of the pilot. Forward thrust comes from gliding Soaring bears the relationship to flying that sailing downward relative to the air the same as thrust bears to power boating. Soaring has made notable is developed in a power-off glide by a conven­ contributions to meteorology. For example, soar­ tional aircraft. Therefore, to gain or maintain ing pilots have probed thunderstorms and moun­ altitude, the soaring pilot must rely on upward tain waves with findings that have made flying motion of the air. safer for all pilots. However, soaring is primarily To a sailplane pilot, "lift" means the rate of recreational. climb he can achieve in an up-current, while "sink" A sailplane must have auxiliary power to be­ denotes his rate of descent in a downdraft or in come airborne such as a winch, a ground tow, or neutral air. "Zero sink" means that upward cur­ a tow by a powered aircraft. Once the sailcraft is rents are just strong enough to enable him to hold airborne and the tow cable released, performance altitude but not to climb. Sailplanes are highly 171 r efficient machines; a sink rate of a mere 2 feet per second. There is no point in trying to soar until second provides an airspeed of about 40 knots, and weather conditions favor vertical speeds greater a sink rate of 6 feet per second gives an airspeed than the minimum sink rate of the aircraft.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2020
    November 2020 e- Water Landing, Lake Tahoe, 2020 Presidents Message Editorial Safety Lessons from 2020 PASCO OGN Project Update 2020 PASCO Scholarship Update 2020 PASCO Flight Awards 2020 1 Statement of Purpose The purpose of this Corporation shall be to initiate, sponsor, promote, and carry out plans, policies, and activities that will further the growth and development of the soaring movement in Region 11 of the Soaring Society of America. Activities will be targeted at increasing the number of soaring pilots in the region in addition to the development of soaring pilots to promote safety of flight, training in the physiology of flight, cross country and high altitude soaring and the development of competition pilots and contest personnel at the local, regional, national and international level. Current dues are $25 annually from the month after receipt of payment. PASCO is a 501c(3) not for profit corporation and contributions are tax deductible. Consider PASCO in your charitable giving plans this year! WORLD WIDE WEB ADDRESSES - REGION 11 Soaring Society of America http://www.ssa.org Pacific Soaring Council http://www.pacificsoaring.org Air Sailing Inc. http://www.airsailing.org Bay Area Soaring Associates http://www.flybasa.org Central California Soaring Club http://www.soaravenal.com Las Vegas Valley Soaring Association http://www.lvvsa.org Minden Soaring Club http://www.mindensoaringclub.com/int2/ Northern California Soaring Assoc. http://www.norcalsoaring.org/ Silverado Soaring, Inc. http://www.silveradosoaring.org/ Hollister Soaring Center https://hollistersoaringcenter.com/ SoaringNV http://www.soaringnv.com/ Williams Soaring Center http://www.williamssoaring.com/ Valley Soaring Association http://www.valleysoaring.net/ Presidents Message It has been a challenging year for everyone for many reasons and, due to the ongoing health concerns, I am sorry to report that there will not be a PASCO safety seminar / awards banquet this winter.
    [Show full text]
  • State of the Art of Piloted Electric Airplanes, NASA's Centennial Challenge Data and Fundamental Design Implications
    Dissertations and Theses Fall 2011 State of the Art of Piloted Electric Airplanes, NASA's Centennial Challenge Data and Fundamental Design Implications Lori Anne Costello Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.erau.edu/edt Part of the Aerospace Engineering Commons Scholarly Commons Citation Costello, Lori Anne, "State of the Art of Piloted Electric Airplanes, NASA's Centennial Challenge Data and Fundamental Design Implications" (2011). Dissertations and Theses. 37. https://commons.erau.edu/edt/37 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STATE OF THE ART OF PILOTED ELECTRIC AIRPLANES, NASA’S CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE DATA AND FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN IMPLICATIONS by Lori Anne Costello A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Studies Office in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, Florida Fall 2011 1 Copyright by Lori Anne Costello 2011 All Rights Reserved 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis is the culmination of two years of work on the Green Flight Challenge Eco-Eagle. The Eco- Eagle and this thesis would not have been possible without countless help and inspiration from friends and family. I would like to thank Dr. Anderson for giving me the opportunity to participate in Embry-Riddle’s Green Flight Challenge Team and for supporting me and the Eco-Eagle project. Without his guidance I would not have this paper and understood as much as I now do about electric airplanes.
    [Show full text]
  • Slingsby T61F Venture T MK2 Motor Glider, G-BUGV
    Slingsby T61F Venture T MK2 motor glider, G-BUGV AAIB Bulletin No: 2/99 Ref: EW/G98/11/10 Category: 1.3 Aircraft Type and Registration: Slingsby T61F Venture T MK2 motor glider, G-BUGV No & Type of Engines: 1 Rollason RS MK 2 piston engine Year of Manufacture: 1978 Date & Time (UTC): 21 November 1998 at 1035 hrs Location: Enstone Airport, Oxon Type of Flight: Private (Training) Persons on Board: Crew - 2 - Passengers - None Injuries: Crew - None - Passengers - N/A Nature of Damage: Damage to the aircraft's propeller Commander's Licence: Basic Commercial Pilot's Licence with Instrument Rating Commander's Age: 27 years Commander's Flying Experience: 604 hours (of which 102 were on type) Last 90 days - 124 hours Last 28 days - 36 hours Information Source: Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot Before permitting a recently qualified member of the flying club to fly solo in crosswind conditions, the aircraft's commander decided to fly several circuits with him until he was satisfied with his ability to cope with the conditions. As the conditions were conducive to the formation of carburettor icing, with a temperature of +5°C and a dew point of +1.6°C, particular attention was paid to the use of carburettor heat during the run-up and immediately prior to take off. The engine reportedly performed normally and carburettor heat was used during the pre-landing downwind checks and again on base leg, with its selection maintained until after the glide approach and landing, in accordance with the normal operating procedure for this aircraft.
    [Show full text]
  • Glider Handbook, Chapter 2: Components and Systems
    Chapter 2 Components and Systems Introduction Although gliders come in an array of shapes and sizes, the basic design features of most gliders are fundamentally the same. All gliders conform to the aerodynamic principles that make flight possible. When air flows over the wings of a glider, the wings produce a force called lift that allows the aircraft to stay aloft. Glider wings are designed to produce maximum lift with minimum drag. 2-1 Glider Design With each generation of new materials and development and improvements in aerodynamics, the performance of gliders The earlier gliders were made mainly of wood with metal has increased. One measure of performance is glide ratio. A fastenings, stays, and control cables. Subsequent designs glide ratio of 30:1 means that in smooth air a glider can travel led to a fuselage made of fabric-covered steel tubing forward 30 feet while only losing 1 foot of altitude. Glide glued to wood and fabric wings for lightness and strength. ratio is discussed further in Chapter 5, Glider Performance. New materials, such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, glass reinforced plastic (GRP), and Kevlar® are now being used Due to the critical role that aerodynamic efficiency plays in to developed stronger and lighter gliders. Modern gliders the performance of a glider, gliders often have aerodynamic are usually designed by computer-aided software to increase features seldom found in other aircraft. The wings of a modern performance. The first glider to use fiberglass extensively racing glider have a specially designed low-drag laminar flow was the Akaflieg Stuttgart FS-24 Phönix, which first flew airfoil.
    [Show full text]
  • Ergonomics of Paragliding Reserve Deployment
    Contemporary Ergonomics and Human Factors 2020. Eds. Rebecca Charles and Dave Golightly. CIEHF. Ergonomics of paragliding reserve deployment Matt Wilkes1, Geoff Long1, Heather Massey1, Clare Eglin1, Mike Tipton1 and Rebecca Charles2 1Extreme Environments Laboratory, University of Portsmouth, 2 Rail Safety and Standards Board ABSTRACT Paragliding is an emerging discipline of aviation, which is considered relatively high risk. Reserve parachutes are rarely used, but typical deployments are at low altitude, with pilots under the extreme stress of a life-threatening situation. To date, paraglider equipment design has focused primarily on weight and aerodynamics, so reserve parachute deployment systems have evolved haphazardly. Our study aimed to characterise deployment behaviours in amateur pilots. Fifty-five paraglider pilots were filmed deploying their reserve parachutes from a zipline. Test conditions were designed for ecologically valid body, hand and gaze positions; cognitive loading and switching; and physical disorientation akin to a real deployment. The footage was reviewed by two groups of subject matter experts. It was noted that pilots searched for the reserve handle using the hip as an anatomical landmark and tried to extract the deployment bag upwards, irrespective of optimum direction. Recommendations, which are being incorporated into the latest draft of the European Norm for harness design included: positioning reserve handles at the pilot’s hip; better system integration between different manufacturers; and containers being designed so deployment bags are extractable at any angle of pull. Deployment in a single, sweeping action should be encouraged in preference to the multiple actions sometimes taught. KEYWORDS Equipment failure, personal protective equipment, accidents, aviation Introduction Paragliding is a widely practiced form of unpowered flight (Paragliding Manufacturers’ Association 2014).
    [Show full text]
  • THE INFRARED CLOUD IMAGER by Brentha Thurairajah a Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfi
    THERMAL INFRARED IMAGING OF THE ATMOSPHERE: THE INFRARED CLOUD IMAGER by Brentha Thurairajah A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana April 2004 © COPYRIGHT by Brentha Thurairajah 2004 All Rights Reserved ii APPROVAL of a thesis submitted by Brentha Thurairajah This thesis has been read by each member of the thesis committee and has been found to be satisfactory regarding content, English usage, format, citations, bibliographic style, and consistency, and is ready for submission to the college of graduate studies. Dr. Joseph A. Shaw, Chair of Committee Approved for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dr. James N. Peterson, Department Head Approved for the College of Graduate Studies Dr. Bruce R. McLeod, Graduate Dean iii STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO USE In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a master’s degree at Montana State University, I agree that the Library shall make it available to borrowers under the rules of the Library. If I have indicated my intention to copyright this thesis by including a copyright notice page, copying is allowable only for scholarly purposes, consistent with “fair use” as prescribed in the U.S Copyright Law. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this thesis in whole or in parts may be granted only by the copyright holder. Brentha Thurairajah April 2nd, 2004 iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Joseph Shaw for always being there, for guiding me with patience throughout the project, for helping me with my course and research work through all these three years, and for providing helpful comments and constructive criticism that helped me complete this document.
    [Show full text]
  • Thermal Equilibrium of the Atmosphere with a Convective Adjustment
    jULY 1964 SYUKURO MANABE AND ROBERT F. STRICKLER 361 Thermal Equilibrium of the Atmosphere with a Convective Adjustment SYUKURO MANABE AND ROBERT F. STRICKLER General Circulation Research Laboratory, U.S. Weather Bureau, Washington, D. C. (Manuscript received 19 December 1963, in revised form 13 April 1964) ABSTRACT The states of thermal equilibrium (incorporating an adjustment of super-adiabatic stratification) as well as that of pure radiative equilibrium of the atmosphere are computed as the asymptotic steady state ap­ proached in an initial value problem. Recent measurements of absorptivities obtained for a wide range of pressure are used, and the scheme of computation is sufficiently general to include the effect of several layers of clouds. The atmosphere in thermal equilibrium has an isothermal lower stratosphere and an inversion in the upper stratosphere which are features observed in middle latitudes. The role of various gaseous absorbers (i.e., water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone), as well as the role of the clouds, is investigated by computing thermal equilibrium with and without one or two of these elements. The existence of ozone has very little effect on the equilibrium temperature of the earth's surface but a very important effect on the temperature throughout the stratosphere; the absorption of solar radiation by ozone in the upper and middle strato­ sphere, in addition to maintaining the warm temperature in that region, appears also to be necessary for the maintenance of the isothermal layer or slight inversion just above the tropopause. The thermal equilib­ rium state in the absence of solar insolation is computed by setting the temperature of the earth's surface at the observed polar value.
    [Show full text]
  • ESSENTIALS of METEOROLOGY (7Th Ed.) GLOSSARY
    ESSENTIALS OF METEOROLOGY (7th ed.) GLOSSARY Chapter 1 Aerosols Tiny suspended solid particles (dust, smoke, etc.) or liquid droplets that enter the atmosphere from either natural or human (anthropogenic) sources, such as the burning of fossil fuels. Sulfur-containing fossil fuels, such as coal, produce sulfate aerosols. Air density The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume occupied by it. Air density is usually expressed as g/cm3 or kg/m3. Also See Density. Air pressure The pressure exerted by the mass of air above a given point, usually expressed in millibars (mb), inches of (atmospheric mercury (Hg) or in hectopascals (hPa). pressure) Atmosphere The envelope of gases that surround a planet and are held to it by the planet's gravitational attraction. The earth's atmosphere is mainly nitrogen and oxygen. Carbon dioxide (CO2) A colorless, odorless gas whose concentration is about 0.039 percent (390 ppm) in a volume of air near sea level. It is a selective absorber of infrared radiation and, consequently, it is important in the earth's atmospheric greenhouse effect. Solid CO2 is called dry ice. Climate The accumulation of daily and seasonal weather events over a long period of time. Front The transition zone between two distinct air masses. Hurricane A tropical cyclone having winds in excess of 64 knots (74 mi/hr). Ionosphere An electrified region of the upper atmosphere where fairly large concentrations of ions and free electrons exist. Lapse rate The rate at which an atmospheric variable (usually temperature) decreases with height. (See Environmental lapse rate.) Mesosphere The atmospheric layer between the stratosphere and the thermosphere.
    [Show full text]
  • Kitplanes 2020 02.Pdf
    2020 ENGINE BUYER’S GUIDE ® KITPLANES February Punch? a Findlay 2020What’s • KnowLong-EZs About Didn’t You What Into an Overhaul • Turns Inspection an Engine Guide • How Buyer’s Engine 2020: Our Massive Vroom Tommy Meyer YOUR ENGINE CHOICES Makes One for Dad We List All the Popular FEBRUARY 2020 Engines for Homebuilts BELVOIR PUBLICATIONS BELVOIR TRICYCLE GEAR In the Shop: It’s All About the Attitude • ELT Gotchas • Glareshield Tips and Tricks THE SUBSONEX CONTINUES • IRAN vs Overhaul Tackling Wiring, Avionics and Plumbing www.kitplanes.com ENJOY THE VIEW. EVERY TIME YOU FLY. G3X TOUCH™ SERIES FOR EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT TOUCHSCREEN, INTEGRATION WITH ADS-B TARGETTREND™ SUPPORTS ANY MODERN AUTOPILOT COMPLETE KNOB AND COMMS, TRANSPONDER, TRAFFIC AND COMBINATION OF 10.6” WITH ACCLAIMED SYSTEM STARTING BUTTON CONTROL IFR GPS AND MORE SIRIUSXM® WEATHER* AND 7” DISPLAYS, UP TO 4 PERFORMANCE AT $4,495** FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT GARMIN.COM/EXPERIMENTAL *Additional equipment required. **MSRP: 7” display and fl ight sensors. © 2019 Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. 19-MCJT19630 G3X ENJOY_THE_VIEW Ad-7.875x10.5-Kitplanes.indd 1 3/12/19 8:45 AM FebruaryCONTENTS 2020 | Volume 37, Number 2 2019 Engine Buyer’s Guide 16 YOUR AERO MOTIVATION IS HERE! By Tom Wilson. • Horizontally opposed four-stroke gasoline • Inline and vee four-stroke • Radial and rotary (traditional) • Rotary (Wankel) • Compression ignition (diesel and Jet A) • Volkswagen • Jets and turboprops • Corvair • Two-stroke 16 • Electric 18 NEW VS. USED: Understanding the difference between factory remanufactured, field overhauled, top overhauled, and just plain used. By Tom Wilson. Builder Spotlight 4 THE BIG TOOT: Tommy Meyer builds his father’s legacy.
    [Show full text]
  • September, 1980. !
    SEPTEMBER, 1980. ( ! COnGRATULATlonl ITEVE·mOYEI &­ • PETER8ROWn • STEVE MOYES WINS THE U.S. MASTERS TWO YEARS RUNNING PETER BROWN COMES 2ND BOTH IN MEGAS BOTH BEATING THE WORLDS BEST PILOTS IN THE WORLDS MOST PRESTIGEOUS HANG GLIDING COMPETITION WELL DONE STEVE & PETER. TOP·PILOTS LIKE JOE GREBLO, CHRIS PRICE, MIKE ARRAMBIDE AND KEL SMITH, INCREASE THEIR WINNING MARGIN BY FLYING THEIR MEGAS INTO NUMBER ONE POSITIONS IN X/C COMPETITIONS, SINK RATE COMPETITIONS, LID COMPETITIONS AND MANOEVRABILITY TASKS. so FLY MEGA & STEP OFF INTO A NEW DIMENSION PHONE THE MOYES FACTORY 02-387-5114. FEATURE ARTICLE - INSECT FLIGHT .... BRUCE WYNNE OVERSEAS COMP REPORT ... BILL MOYES MT. TERRIBLE TO MYPONGA BEACH ... MICHAEL.RICHARDSON 1980 X - C OWENS VALLEY OPEN ... JOHN REYNOLDSON TAHGA REPORT .... MARSHA LEEMAN P L US: ICARUS ... AIRWAVES ... QUEENSLAND NEWS SKYSAILOR is the official JOURNAL OF TAHGA THE AUSTRALIAN HANG GLIDING EXECUTIVE: Box 4, Holme Building, ASSOCIATION, which is a non profit, Sydney University, N.S.W. member controlled organisation promoting 2006. foot launched unpowered flight. Subscription is by membership only. DEADLINES The deadline for each issue will be the first day of that month. Send contributions TAHGA can be contacted at: .. r ~ to: Box 4, Holme Building, Sydney University, N.S.W. : NSWHGA, P.O. Box 121 N.S.W. 2006. Sutherland. N.S.W. VICTOR IA : VHGA, P.O. Box 400, Prahan. 3181. S.A. ; SAHGA, P.O. Box 163, Goodwood. 5034. CO V E R PH 0 T 0: STERLING MOTH RIDES AGAIN! HANG GLIDERS AREN'T THE ONLY ONES WHO CAN DO GOOD WING OVERS. TAKEN FROM A BOOK FULL OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS AND INTERESTING TEXT BY STEPHEN DALTON CALLED "BORNE ON THE WIND".
    [Show full text]
  • Soaring Introduction for Power Pilots
    Soaring Introduction and Local Sites For advisory purposes only; 2003 1 Introduction to Soaring • Unpowered flight • Gliding; – The art of moving forward by gradual descent through the air. • Soaring; – The art of climbing by flying through air which is ascending faster than your glider is sinking. For advisory purposes only; 2003 2 So Why Soar? • Don’t do it to get rich. • A sport and a challenge. • Dances with Eagles. • 10kn up is its own reward. • The challenge and achievement of cross country flight without an engine. For advisory purposes only; 2003 3 Where we fly; Generally in the mountains! For advisory purposes only; 2003 4 How we go Cross Country 25:1 glide ratio for sink & wind margin (glass) (dependent on glider & conditions) Plan glide over mtns or through passes Start Apt Known Field Known Field Finish Apt • Get low in the vicinity of your field and stop going XC. You are now local soaring. Begin to study the field for wind direction, slope, texture, drainage, power lines, sprinklers, fences, obstructions, and trailer access. For advisory purposes only; 2003 5 Lift Types • Types of lift – Wind driven It is as important to avoid • Ridge lift Sink as it is to find Lift •Wave lift – Sun driven Sink or turbulence in the • Thermal lift mountains can completely • Mountain breezes – Airmass driven overpower any aircraft, • Convergences powered or otherwise. • How to find it – Blunder into it. Or… – Figure out where it probably is and then blunder into it. For advisory purposes only; 2003 6 Powerless Flight Issues • One chance landings. • Higher chance of landing off-field • Fly closer to the terrain than the average power pilot.
    [Show full text]