Don, I'd appreciate it if you would elaborate on your statement. I understand what you are saying in theory, but I've had very different results in actual practice. I've experimented with two identical planes, one at 9.25 oz and the other at 11 oz.
In both launch and upwind penetration the heavier plane had better performance. If F=ma and the m is increased, the F has to go up. The increase in F must be greater than the induced drag component. As far as upwind performance, the speed of the glide is increased. Your reason for this is that the lighter plane is not aerodynamically optimized for its weight? JE -- Erickson Architects John R. Erickson, AIA > From: "Don Stackhouse @ DJ Aerotech" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 13:14:20 -0500 > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Cc: "Ed Franz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [RCSE] Re: Dihedral VS Poly VS Ailerons > > Ed Franz asks: > >> So Don, >> >> How light is light in a R-E discus launch H/L? My XP3 weighs in at 9.25 oz, >> too heavy? > > Yes. The DLG experiments Joe and I were working on before we discontinued > our composite models for business (NOT engineering) reasons verified this. > > If the planes aerodynamics are properly matched to its weight, there is no > launch height penalty or penetration penalty to being lighter. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off.
