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Old October 10th 07, 05:24 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Brad[_2_]
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Posts: 722
Default Expanded World Class

I work in a machine shop with 3 multi-axis CNC machines. We have a
HAAS multi-axis mill, a HAAS lathe and a Precix bed router. We have
full capability to cut molds, parts and design and develop tooling for
a sailplane. We are under contract right now to develop a UAV, and
have made several molds and are making carbon parts right now for the
UAV.

I also am working on a sailplane design that probably would appeal as
a world class sailplane. It is a 15m ship, and is quite nice looking.
We plan on using the Graphlite rods for the spar caps and would like
to use carbon as much as possible throgu out the airframe. The price
has come down and the availability has gotten better.

We also have total control of the design and manufacturing process via
a complete suite of CAD/CAM design and machining software. Solidworks
and Siemens.

Now...................can it be built?

Let the flames begin!

Brad



On Oct 3, 4:12 pm, wrote:
On Oct 3, 5:10 pm, toad wrote:





On Oct 3, 3:52 pm, wrote:


Soon we will see a very good 13m glider ....for $120,000.-only.
And the happy owner will be a World Class Champion.
Was that an original idea behind the World Class?


Richard,


The original idea behind the World Class has been a failure. That much
is obvious (to me) and should be acknowledged. We need to try a new
and different idea. I can see opening the PW5 only contests to
similar designs to increase the number of gliders. More gliders would
mean a better competition.


I personally would propose the following criteria:


a) Fairly strict 1 design.
b) Decent performance for the cheapest cost.


For decent performance I think 35/1 would be good enough. Lower
performance is just frustrating when trying XC.


I would not "dumb down" the design to accommodate early solo pilots,
but aim for entry level comp pilots.


Todd Smith
Grob 102 "3S"


Todd,
OK, some of the aspects of original idea had to be a failure and the
whole undertaking simply didn't work.
But, can you tell which specs were wrong?

* substantially lower costs than then-current new gliders
* easy & safe handling in the air and on the ground
* a single design, stabilized for a period of years
* performance sufficient for badges & challenging competition
* simple construction
* suitable for clubs, private owners & early solo pilots.

What would be your new World Class glider ?
Try to stay below $ 60,000.-please.
Richard/ PW-5/N153PW- Hide quoted text -

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