Type: Thermal Duration Flying Wing
Status: Active
Weight: 32-34 oz
Controls: R/E/A/S
Wing Span: 90"
Wing Area: ~1100"sq (I think)
Airfoil: AT001
Wing Loading: ~6.5 oz/sq.ft
I knew that I wanted a big floater for lazy days at the thermal field, and there are no thermal flying wings presently in action with CRCSS. So, armed with a set of airfoil templates and a box of balsa, I built the wing that you see here. I remembered seeing something similar in an old issue of RCM, called the Sunbird, so I just kept the name.
Though I can't remember what the airfoil thickness is, I remember transitioning it from fairly reflexed at the root to only mildly so at the tip. Specific I know. I did draw those on a computer, but I can't seem to find the .cor files. Since I have oodles of wing area to work with, I just used four standard servos in the Sunbird. I have plenty left over from my power flying days, so they got drafted. I have one on either elevon, one on the rudder, and a single push-pull servo driving the spoilers.
I flew it for a while with only aileron and elevator, but having a big tail just called out for adding a rudder. Since I can now fly with my controls uncoupled (finally), the rudder really helps to corkscrew the wing around in thermals. It's pretty sensitive as it's set up, but I like being able to pirouette around a wingtip.
I just can't get over how FAST this thing is considering it's wing area! That must have something to do with a bit too much reflex, but it'll slow down nicely for thermal turns too. The spoilers are too effective; the wing just stops flying and drops when they're out. Not very useful for landing, but great for dethermalizing! ;) It thermals well, and all in all I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.
PS - I still can't get over how FUNNY it is to hear the old "I think you forgot your tail at home" or "I think it's broken" jokes. REALLY FUNNY. Even after the fifteen-billionth time. Jeez guys, get a new joke!
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