Hang Gliders

By: Pandu

Introduction

Hang gliding is an air sport that uses non-motorized foot-launch air craft

Hang gliders are like a large kite, where it flies depending on the height it launched and the wind speed

Usually made out of aluminum alloy or composite frame covered with synthetic sailcloth

Launch techniques include: high altitude and ground-based tow system

Training and safety is necessary for hang gliding sport.

Question:

How do hang gliders fly?

Hypothesis:

The hang gliders fly because of the down force of air makes the glider lifted up. Once the glider is released in windy condition, it will flip back. Also a glider cannot fly without any weight in it. It is because the weight will bring the force downward.

Materials:

A template of hang glider origami

Scissors

Newspaper

A masking tape

A Ruler

A twisty wire

Procedures:

1. Cut off the template over the newspaper

2. Use the ruler to fold the paper through the dash line

3. Measure the elevon to be 20° from the grown

4. Tape a wire onto the glider for its mass. Use the front weight gage to measure it.

5. Curl a little bit of the wire’s tip.

6. Release the glider from a high altitude.

Conclusions

The hypothesis was correct. That a hang glider flies because there is a aerodynamic forces that cause the glider lifted up.

Reflection

The experiment was not that simple. We need to be really precise on measuring the angle and try to be careful to not adjusting the angle. It is because once we accidentally change the measurement there would be some problems with the the gliders. Such as the glider would not fly smoothly, it flipped etc.