Bellhorn Family

I am trying out for the S4 event on the 2008 US spacemodeling team. This uses a glider launched with a rocket motor. My research into airfoil shapes lead me to Mark Drela's AG-11. It is a modern airfoil designed for use on radio controlled discus launch gliders. These gliders require low drag while the glider is being thrown into the air and good lift once they slowed down. That sounds a lot like a rocket boosted glider!

The AG-11 was created with modern computer processing to produce very smooth airflow around it at high speeds. So how did I create my wings? The hot wire cutter I am building to produce foam wing shapes is still waiting for a couple parts. I ended up sanding the wings tonight in my hotel's dark parking lot. I used a concrete parking stop and some scrap wood to produce correctly angled curves. At least I hope that is the result! If I earn a place on the team with these gliders this weekend, I will have to do something better to compete against the world's best competitors next year.