Slope Base Soaring with ParkZone Radian Pro Radio Controlled Glider

This video is about the concept of RC glider slope soaring from the base of a slope instead of standing at the top. Slope base soaring opens up some possibilities for fun and challenge that are not always practical when flying from the top of a slope. One such challenge is to try to fly as low as possible to the base of the slope and ride the lift back up and out. This can be done from the top of a slope too, although your chances for success are better when standing at the base because it is far easier to judge the distance between the ground and the plane when you are viewing it from below.

Beachside slopes' or even river banks and some man made geography can be great places to try flying your glider along the length of the slope and walking with it. I am fortunate enough to have some cliffs where I live that extend for at least a mile. The act of walking with the glider as it moves is a very different experience than being anchored to one spot. If you have never tried this before, I think you will be amazed at how unusual it feels to extend your flying range by following the plane.

The wings of the Radian Pro have been reinforced with Scotch Clear packing tape. The tape is applied down the length of each wing starting in the middle of the wing (~4" from the leading edge) and continues around the leading edge back under the wing another 3". This really helps to stiffen up the wing without adding too much weight. A small ~2.5 mm diameter carbon rod approximately 8" long has been inserted in the tail across the area where the leading edge of the rudder meets the fuselage. This is a weak area on the plane that is prone to flexing and breaking.

If you are new to RC and gliders in particular, it is really important to minimize any extra weight that you add to the plane to the rear of the CG. Any weight added rear of the CG is just going to result in the need for extra weight forward of the CG. While extra weight can be beneficial in high wind conditions, it is always best to start with the lightest possible configuration that will fly and then add weight when needed.

Servos in wings are Hitec HS 55, rudder and elevator are Hitech HS 5055MG. There's a Spektrum receiver, Castle 10A BEC, and everything balances out nicely using a NanoTech 850MAh 3Cell Lipo and some extra nose weight ~1.5oz. With this set up, it will fly for hours on a single battery.


Music is by GRiZ - "How it Ends"   / griz