| Walkalong Glider Paddle Design |
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| The paddle can be made from cardboard or a transparent material such as lexan. A transparent material allows better forward visibility for avoiding obstacles while flying. Home Depot sells 1’X2’ sheets of 1/16” lexan for about $10. Although walkalong gliders can be flown just using the air moving over your outstretched hands (or even your head), the amount of air moved by the paddle is equivalent to the power of the engine in a powered plane and the more air moving up the easier it is for the walkalong glider to gain altitude. A peak in the center of the top edge makes turning easier as it produces an area of local lift which can be positioned under either wing to roll the glider into a turn. The paddle is constructed from a 1'X2' sheet of rigid material (such as cardboard or 1/16" lexan) by cutting from the top center to a point 3 inches down. Repeat this on the other side to for a peak on the top edge (as seen on the cardboard paddle in the above picture). Walkalong Glider Paddle Design (MSWord file). Back to home page Copyright Phil Rossoni 11/13/03 |