AERO 1020: Balsa Gliders: Home

Abstract: Provides an analysis of the balance of forces on the flight of a balsa toy glider. Inclusion of all the basic features of the flight in the calculation; Examination of the differences between the flight of small objects and full-sized aircraft; Measurement of the experimental drag coefficient.

Abstract: The writer discusses five weekend construction projects that cost less than $30: building a spud gun, rocket car, trebuchet, and balsa glider, and taking aerial photographs using a camera attached to a kite. Includes links to external web sites for more information on plans and physics.

Abstract: A glider is fun to fly, inexpensive to make, and can teach a lot about the way air currents work. If the current is right, a well-constructed glider will travel several hundred yards. To get the best performance from a glider, be sure to launch it before there is a strong burst of wind, and at a slight angle, so that it can gain some height before catching the wind. Instructions for constructing a balsa-wood glider are provided.

Mentioned in the Hewitt article linked above.

Includes CDR or DMG files for the laser cutter and print-scale PDF for hand cutting.