Self-guided Glider

I am currently designing a glider (no motors) for long duration flights and I would like to make the glider at 4 pounds (1816g) or less. I am considering a carbon fiber frame ( I don't plan to do crazy stunts with the glider ), and also considering the ArduPilot to guide the glider. I also have two cameras that need to fit in, both together weigh about 350g. Cost of the glider isn't a big deal, anyone can find money anywhere.

Here's my questions I've thought of so far-

Would a carbon fiber frame hold better if the glider was bi-winged?

Would the glider glide better or longer with bi-wings?

How much does a fully loaded ArduPilot weight, GPS, horizon detection, and everything that it needs?

Is there wind currents that I need to consider? (Don't want it to end up in another county)

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Kim Skatun October 11, 2010 at 1:21am

It is going on research on biplane gliders, due to reduced induced drag. I bet we will see them around in 15 years....
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Doug Weibel September 6, 2010 at 12:17pm

No a glider will not glide better or longer with a biplane configuration. You don't see any full scale gliders like that and there is a reason ;)
Greg Fletcher September 6, 2010 at 9:55am

The entire Aurdupilot system with telemetry sould be around 90-100 grams. A four pound glider won't even notice this.
There are plenty of excellent glider airframes all ready built if you have the money. They have been doing this for a while and competition drives their designs. I think it would be better to start out with one of these and work autopilot and logistics
operational issues. Then you can build your own glider and and have a much better chance of success.

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Self-guided Glider

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