Engineering

A typical training glider, Schleicher ASK 21

A glider sail, or just a glider is an Aerodyne (an aircraft heavier than air), of considerable wing area, devoid of motor (no motor). Glider forces of lift is solely from the general aerodynamics, like those of other gliders and paragliders and hang gliders. Sharing with them the practice of free flight. This type of aircraft used in the sport of gliding (or volovelismo), but has also been used for other purposes, p. eg. military or research.

Features

Zugvögel III A-Elchingen Aalen, Germany

One feature is its high ratio of distance traveled versus the headroom (glide ratio). This feature makes this family of aircraft the most efficient way to fly. This is achieved with minimum resisting a given lift force, which is why they have long thin wings and a narrow, streamlined body. These properties facilitate the rise due to rising air currents (thermals).

Some are manned and unmanned or remote controlled, real size and scale model aircraft, the wing is flexible cloth (foil) or wings of rigid or semi-flexible structures (glider and hang glider). Used to practice free flight.

Using Motor

Cockpit of a typical modern glider (Glaser-Dirks DG-101G ELAN)

Although many gliders do not have motor, there are some who use them occasionally, called motor gliders or just motor gliders. Manufacturers of high performance gliders now often offered as an optional engine along with a retractable propeller that can be used to provide lift in flight. Some are even capable of taking off on their own. In other models the propeller can be retracted but the engine can be stopped after takeoff.

Wrapped Systems

Wrapped is referred to the process by which the glider takes off “, which usually is not possible for themselves. The two most common methods used are by plane or trailer winch.

Trailer

A Piper Pawnee Tow a Glider

For the trailer normally used a single-engine light aircraft. The plane takes the glider remolvador the site and
desired height, where the glider pilot disengaged the rope tow. A rope is added often a weak element to ensure that loads do not damage the plane sudden tug.

During the tow, the glider pilot must stay in one of two positions behind the tow plane, below the turbulence generated by the tow plane or above it, the latter is the most common. A variant is the least used simultaneously towing two gliders and a tow plane, using a shorter rope to the glider that is in the top position.