Scott wrote:
If one were to design their own sailplane, which airfoil would be a good
choice for low drag and fairly low speed (ie, an ultralight part 103
sailplane for exampl)? In other words, is a thicker airfoil (more lift)
better at slow speeds or a thinner airfoil (less drag)? Which type would
give the best glide ratio with all other things being equal?

Have you read Fundamentals of Sailplane Design? That'd be a good place
to start if you haven't. Join the Sailplane Homebuilder's Associaton at
the same time (buy the book from them, too).

Thicker and thinner don't mean much; instead, you need to be talking
about the characteristics you want, such stall speeds, desired L/D at
max and cruise speeds, wing loadings, construction (wood and fabric,
carbon, or ?) and so on. Theennn you can start asking about the airfoil!

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA