We will do it!

Mark October 3, 2013 at 8:03pm

Braking parachute could do the trick on landing if flaps are out of the question. Making a chute controlable with sail servo is simple enough and will not add a lot of weight.

It was done in the past successfully on a full scale gliders and your plane is not far from being a full scale :-)

Tim Wilkin October 2, 2013 at 9:34pm

I did read the posts, but obviously didn't pick up on the sarcasm/joke... easy to miss with text-only communication.

As for a suitable prop, I saw one online yesterday... will try to find the link again...

Tim Wilkin October 2, 2013 at 9:08pm

Page 3, third post from the bottom. I agree, I haven't seen a folding prop on a gas motor before and revisiting the images, they don't appear to depict a folding prop... I took his comment at face value. That said, if he's using a fixed pitch standard prop there's still no reason that I can see that would prevent moving to a variable pitch prop... the question is merely whether it is desirable or not.

Tim Wilkin October 2, 2013 at 6:41pm

I did read the whole blog Morli... and have followed some of Vladimir's build posts previously. Please don't assume that just because someone's post seems unusual that they're ignorant of the discussion or haven't bothered to read it.

Vladimir commented above that the aircraft is gas-powered and fitted with a folding prop... which I interpreted as being motivated by a desire to reduce drag while the engine was idling/off in glide mode. Drag reduction could also be achieved by a variable pitch propellor in a feathered position. Such a prop would also provide the capability for thrust reversal to help reduce the glide path length. Sure, this requires some significant changes in setup, but I don't see it as infeasible... or at least a consideration for future evolution of the vehicle. There are certainly variable pitch props available for that size motor.

If there's something I've overlooked, by all means, please highlight it. I'm always happy to expand my understanding of aviation beyond its current limits.

Moderator

Vladimir "Lazy" Khudyakov October 2, 2013 at 2:19am

Sorry?

Tim Wilkin October 1, 2013 at 7:45pm

Would it be practical to consider a variable pitch propeller over a folding propeller?

W. Joe Taylor September 30, 2013 at 7:04pm

Beautiful bird. Even though I watched your build (how long did it take? Seems like a year?) I did not expect it to look so perfect. looks like a condor to me, sort of majestic.