Re: [ULF-1] Member 137 Home builder asking for advice

From: Member 72
Date: 2012-09-06 21:01 UTC-04:00
Message: #0387

Hi Sam,

I built several foot launched hang gliders in the past:  the bamboo and plastic "Batso" hang glider from scratch in 1977 and the Easy Riser, swept wing tailless biplane with wing tip drag rudders from a kit in 1979.

Both were involved, by way simpler to build than the ULF-1.  We started our ULF-1 build as an EAA Chapter 309 "Build Night" project last January.  We have about 6-8 "regulars" who help build every week for 3 hours. In that time, we have set up the workshop, built a long work bench, and fabricated the 6 tail spars.  This is not a project for the faint of heart.  No steps are particularly difficult, but it is a very ambitious project, especially since it is scratch built from plans. I am working with experienced folks who have built other aircraft from Member 60 and still progress has been slow.  We are planning to power it for self-launch with 2 pusher R/C model aircraft motors  and folding propellers. Some of our time has been spent exploring modifications to simplify and speed up construction like cutting all the ribs and stiffeners from blue foam and using 3/32" spruce cap strips on them.

Best of luck with your project!

Member 72
S.N 343E
---- Member 89 <[email]> wrote: 
> Hello,
> My name is Sam Member 89 and I am beginning a personal project involving
> building a home built foot launched glider. I am hoping to receive some
> information as to how I should approach this project as well as advice on
> building an aircraft of this type. I have limited knowledge on building
> machines of this nature so any advice or considerations would be greatly
> appreciated. I am not necessarily looking to make a fully operational
> glider, but a prototype. A flying varient may be the final outcome but that
> is not 100% my main goal. Thank you very much