Gliders are simple lightweight non-powered aircraft. They are cheaper to operate than motor aircraft and have been popular with aviation enthusiasts for many years. Hang gliders provide an unforgettable feeling of free flight and are used most often for recreational and sports purposes. The design of these aircraft is quite simple, but they require skill and experience to fly.
What is an airfoil?
The aerodynamic profile is the shape of the wing, chosen in such a way that, while moving in the air flow, lift is generated with minimal drag. The wing has a convex top and a flat bottom, so air flows around the top surface at a faster rate than the bottom, which creates lift.
What were the first flying machines?
The first aircraft were heavier than air, resembled birds, but they could not get off the ground, because they could stay in the air only due to the flaps of their wings, and not gliding. Experimenting with gliders, German inventor Otto Lilienthal drew important lessons when trying to control flight. He died in 1896 in an accident on one of his gliders.
How is a hang glider operated?
Hang-gliders, like gliders, gain altitude on ascending air currents. The first hang gliders were controlled by pilots by moving the body to one side or the other. The tails of modern hang gliders have movable surfaces, like ordinary airplanes, that are manually controlled.
How do gliders fly?
The structure of gliders does not provide for the presence of an engine, therefore, for the climb required for takeoff, it is accelerated. Usually he is pulled in tow by a powerful car or a motor aircraft. And when the glider reaches the required altitude, the pilot drops the tug and smoothly continues the flight.
Can the glider landing site be planned in advance? The wings and tail of the glider, like motor aircraft, have controllable surfaces, thanks to which the pilot can choose the course as accurately as possible. In addition, the glider wings are equipped with special "air brakes", which provide a high-speed and fast descent.
