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Michigan Scout - Pictured with it's shippable tube kit container.

Excellent starter kit.

 

 

Would you like to build and fly a rubber powered version of a great historic concept?

Francis Rogallo with his Parawing (designed in 1948 and patented in 1951) attached to a Gemini space capsule model. The NASA wind tunnel tests in 1958 were to determine if the Parawing could be used to return the Gemini capsule to earth. The idea was to fly the capsule in with the possibility of landing on the ground, instead of water landings. NASA's decision: use regular parachutes. Simpler, more reliable and less cost. The included nose angle was 50 degrees.

Australian John Dickerson saw the design and adapted it to tow water skiers aloft in 1963. In 1967 John introduced fellow Australian Bill Bennett to the Delta Wing. In 1969 Bennett moves to California and is designing, manufacturing and selling towed water ski Delta Wings. By 1973 the Delta Wings were being launched from elevated ground sights. The hang glider, as we know it today, was born. There are no control surfaces on the Parawing or Delta Wing. Control is obtained by shifting the weight of the pilot. The included nose angle was increased to 90+ degrees. This increased stabality.

Concept that makes the Parawing fly (have lift):

1. A good wing surface is a non rigid material that has some body to it.

2. A rigit or semi rigid air frame that keeps the desired slack in the wing surface.

3. An angle of attack (The angle the wing makes with the direct of flight), which will keep sufficent air pressure on the wing surface, to keep it inflated.

4. When inflated, the wing surface forms 2 conical surfaces that are just a section of a cone. The air passing under and over these shapes create lift.

5. During the launch process it is importane that you cause the wing inflate. If this is not done you have an airplane without lift, called a rock. Flight will not occur.

 

Inflated wing:

Now you can build and fly a rubber powered version of this historic concept. With it's 90+ degree included nose angle, movable pilot and it's Clearphane wing covering it is stable in turblent in winds in excess of 10 mph, controlable, colorful and water proof.

 

Kit:

Complete except for: Thin CA glue and CA accelerator (optional)

All pieces included - Hand selected, precision cut balsa construction

1 - Very light weight colored plastic covering

4 - lubed contest rubber motors

1 - balanced 5-1/2" SIG propeller

1 - Adjustable rear motor anchor

1 - Very thin applicator tip for Thin CA glue

1 - Tube of balsa sawdust for fillets

1 - Small sanding stick

1 - Color picture annotated directions - 12 pages

6 - Wing Plan sheets to assemble

1 - Pylon plan sheet

1 - Wing/Pylon layout sheet

1 - Triangular pilot bar

1 - Military pilot - Fully trained scout/pilot

 

 

MICHIGAN SCOUT

Flying:

Very stable in winds up to 10 mph or 16 kmph.

With moderate lift (thermal or ridge) 1 min plus flights are common

Caution, in good thermals it sometimes flies way

 

Specifications:

 

English

Metric

Weight

.89 oz

25g

Wing Span

21"

.54m

Wing Loading

.61 oz/100sqin

Wing lifting area

147 sqin

9.59dm2

Construction recommendation:

Adult supervision for ages 12 and under.

 

Building skills/time:

Excellent starter kit.

Also fun for the more experienced builder.

Building time; approximately 2 hours.

 

Buy using No bidding/Buy now (PayPal/credit card/check/money order) - $11.00  plus $2.50 shipping - USA & Canada - Introductory price

 

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