Dream-Flight Alula (hand/discuss-launched glider) Resurrection, Description, & First Flights

by panther3001 | January 19, 2013 | (6) Posted in Reviews

This is me simply describing my new (actually just new to me, as it is a used, hand-me-down plane that was trashed) Dream-Flight Alula hand-launched glider.  This glider is launched by grabbing the wing tip and slinging it high into the air via the "discuss-launch" technique.  I can now get launch altitudes of ~75 ft. above the ground.   In the description underneath the video I have a full parts list with links. 

Correction: in the video I said I spent ~10 hrs getting it ready to fly.  I probably exaggerated a couple hrs, however, and I did count my time reading the manual and doing background research as part of the time.  In either case though, since I didn't have the parts I needed on hand, I did spend a considerable amount of time just trying to figure out what components to use in it meanwhile to get it ready to fly.  Also, the belly skid was destroyed, so I spent a lot of time piecing that back together with Shoe Goo too, and the foam on the plane was in generally bad condition so I had to carefully reinforce it with small amounts of glue and tape on many areas.

I know this video isn't the best, but clearly I don't spend my time developing great video skills.  Rather, I have spent much of my time just flying in general, and doing research/learning to gain a better technical understanding of RC airplanes.  I work as an Aeronautical Engineer.  Feel free to visit my website for a great deal of general, technical RC information I've been putting together over the last few years:  https://sites.google.com/site/electricrcaircraftguru/.

I also have a new blog with other RC-related articles and information here:  http://electricrcaircraftguy.blogspot.com/, including a "Review" (or description) of the HobbyKing FP100 (or Xheli V911) micro 4-Channel heli I purchased not too long ago.





COMMENTS

tophe75 on January 21, 2013
I'd love to you put a small brushless motor on it and a folding prop.
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panther3001 on January 23, 2013
yeah I'm sure it would work out pretty well, but I suppose it wouldn't be a motorless glider anymore then. :) I kind of like having a plane that can fly 3 hrs on a single charge now----like this one, and it makes it unique in my collection, so I'll leave the motor off for now. Thanks for suggestion though.
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panther3001 on July 3, 2013
Update (3 July 2013): I've now built a bungee launcher for under $30! I can easily launch the glider to over 200 ft. now, and with a longer line on my launcher I think launches of 400+ ft. high are possible. Fun stuff!
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Dream-Flight Alula (hand/discuss-launched glider) ...