Discus Launch Glider

by FliteTest | July 24, 2013 | (31) Posted in Reviews

David teaches Josh how to Discus Launch and shares some tips for achieving a successful flight with a DLG.

After seeing comments and requests from viewers, we created this episode on DLG's.

The newest DLG glider that David is flying is the Neos from ArmSoar.

The first thing to do with any glider is to chuck it into the wind and make sure everything is working correctly.

The handle is designed to be held with the pads of the fingers.

Everybody will have thier own unique style of throwing but generally you want to keep your arm straight when throwing.

When launching, you want to throw into the wind and aim for the horizon.DLG's also known as hand launched gliders are refered to as F3K in the competition world. When flying, search around for areas with lift, cross the wind and watch the plane. With practice you will begin to understand how the DLG works.The Neos is hand-crafted with Carboline STF, fiberglass and other lightweight composite materials and features a rudder.
Flying hand launched R/C gliders is a unique experience and is something everyone should try.

There are many kinds of DLG's to choose from, the Neos is one of David's personal favorites.
 

Learn more about the Neos from ArmSoar Composite Gliders:
www.armsoar.com 

Other hand launched gliders:
Versus Composite DLG 

Learn more about competition hand launched gliders here:
www.F3K.us

Check out some more cool slow motion discus launches here:


- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

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COMMENTS

FlyingMonkey on July 24, 2013
Awesome! I've been waiting for a dedicated DLG episode. Well, other than the Alula one. ;)
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Carmatious on July 24, 2013
Why don't DLGs have V tails? I've never understood why, it would reduce drag wouldn't it? Theoretically it would also be much more difficult to break the tail as well? Do V-Tail DLGs even exist?
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rcspaceflight on July 25, 2013
Technically V-tails don't reduce drag. You need the two surfaces of the V-tail to have the same surface area as the three surfaces of the T-tail counter part to have the same stability and control. At least that's what I read on the internet. And we all know how reliable the internet is.

It still should make it harder to break the tail since the control surfaces will be further from the ground. Plus it'll look cool.

That is a good question though. I have no idea if they make them and if they don't, I don't know why.
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JasonEricAnderson on July 25, 2013
I believe it may be a matter of 'most direct/simple approach offers best results'. With DLG it seems to be a matter of subtly with controls and manipulation of the airflow. As David said, when in a good thermal you can actually fly with the trim controls. Tiny, subtle adjustments. With a + or T tail you are directly manipulating the airflow at the most efficient angle, 90 degrees to the axis. A V tail sacrifices some of this efficiency by working 'off angle' if you will. There are aspects of a V tail that can be compensated for with other control surfaces in powered airframes but, again as David said, every time you use a control surface you induce drag and therefore loose lift.

So the configuration that offers the most effective airflow manipulation with the least amount of disturbance would be the best choice.

At least that's how my 'Armchair Aeronautics' thinks of it.
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Trondareo on July 25, 2013
Vladimirs Models Mini Elf started out as a V tail but was changed after the first year. In additions to the previous comments, anotherr good reason for the tail is resisting side forces better in the throw.
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Carmatious on July 24, 2013
ReD CheeKs!
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cloud9photos on July 24, 2013
Very cool! Josh your new challenge should be to make an affordable dlg!

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kraczekj on July 25, 2013
it would be very interesting and i would love to try it out. my dad has a carbon fiber lab at the university he works at and so i have access to alot of really cool things. i would be very interested in getting some plans or ideas on how to build one i think it could be really cool!
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randall_l on July 26, 2013
You mean like this (http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?4253-Modular-Swappable-glider-platform) $50-ish machine?

Cheers!
Randall
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Cyberdactyl on July 24, 2013
If the guys at Flitetest really read these comments, they'll know I can be a bit overly critical.

But I have to say this is maybe the best episode to date. It had a wonderful mix of inventive shot angles, explanations of the physics and human interaction all beautifully explained by David.

And the plane looked elegant and almost organic.

Prediction. . . Flitetest classic episode. :)
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Carmatious on July 25, 2013
I'm pretty sure someone does...
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Bbjen on July 25, 2013
I would build a strap on motor just for the fun of it...
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lracnolip on July 25, 2013
Another great show. David what do you think of the mini DLG from HK to start with? It is seems to have the best price point.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__29764__Mini_DLG_Composite_Discus_Launch_Glider_950mm_PNF_.html
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BuckE67 on July 25, 2013
Very cool ! I didn't know hardly anything about DLG until this. Great!
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Trondareo on July 25, 2013
I just want to mention the 1 meter Mini DLGs, like Topsky, Mimi and Elf and others that are great beginner planes.
Loved this episode, and got some nice tips to improve my throwing style on my Elf.
Also an issue that was not covered was adding balast for windy days or slope soaring.
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lracnolip on July 25, 2013
here you go Josh, this kid builds them for $5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fB5lweNj_o&feature=share&list=UUKGChT_22mb_3seyTwWJfKQ
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cloud9photos on July 25, 2013
Thats an interesting looking set up he came up with.

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AndrewT28 on July 25, 2013
What ever happened to the swappable glider?
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zygote on July 25, 2013
Gorgeous plane, & great episode...would love to see a build episode of a DLG.
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sailorJohn on July 25, 2013
Same as sailboat racing on a small lake. Hug the trees on the bank they're hotter than the water hot air rising sucks the cool air off the lake giving a breeze were there was none. plus any movement of the rudder slows you down, even shifting weight can slow the boat, Breathing is optional.
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mnfpv on July 26, 2013
Awesome, guys. I've been waiting for this episode.
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Alister on July 26, 2013
Excellent guys, like to see more extended videos like this one at the end of the article.
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rodger on July 27, 2013
Was Josh serious about building a foam DLG? I would be very interested in that.
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apnewton on September 25, 2013
Inspirational episode. They are the most beautiful gliders. I must have one.
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Tom_moore on February 16, 2014
I think you should build a scrachbuild dlg glider
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BasseBoldt on April 21, 2014
Please help me! Does anyone know the "orange" plane that they flew with. Not the Neos but the one in the slow motion video and if any of you know what the episode was called please anwser!
Thanks in advance.
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Grendel on November 16, 2014
BasseBoldt: It looks a bit like Stobel, but i might be wrong.
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dlggliders on December 27, 2019
would love a discussion on micro F3k DLG gliders, 28 to 30inch wing span, its becoming pretty popular in the UK, composite would be too heavy, balsa wood and carbon fiber is what they are competing with. something like the Feather Squared https://microbirds.com/rc-plane-radio-control-kit-glider-feather/ your thoughts?
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