Attaching an Aereolon to a Glider

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By Matthew Gillard

With the 2007 challenge having a section on gliders, this tip is for fixing aereolon to a glider that uses a change of wing surface from its boost to coast phase. Model aircraft enthusiasts have a huge range of methods for joining flaps, rudders etc.

However, they don't have to contend with the speed and acceleration of a model with we see during boost.

Having built several airplanes and rocket gliders this tip gives the best method (in my opinion) for fixing arelions.

I first came across this method on my friend's VMX-2.

There are three main ways of creating a hinge.

• Tape as used in Edmonds, Ecee Thunder.
• External plastic hinges a standard for model aircraft.
• Internal tape hinges. As used in Orbital Engineering VMX-2.

Tape is quick and easy, but does not give a strong hinge.

External plastic hinges do give a very strong hinge, as there are dozens of different designs to choose from, including ones that have pins to separate the hinge at the joint. - but they are relatively heavy, and look ugly.

The internal tape hinge gives strength and gives a very clean look.

This tip is similar to the instructions in the VMX-2.

You need:

• A modellers knife.
• Hinge cutting blade.
• Fibre glass material or mylar tape.
• Thin CA glue.
• Hinge cutter centering tool.

These can be bought as a kit.

You will need a few small hinges perfectly aligned along the centre of the balsa edge. The centering tool is perfect for this and is worth the money.

After the centering tool is aligned the cutting blade is pushed through the slot, waggling motion makes the blade go in easier. I was initially surprised how blunt the blade is, but it works fine.

As the blade is a v shape the rest of the balsa in hooked out using a reamer, although you might want to use a normal blade to cut it out.

The hinge itself is made out of any flexible, strong material. Mylar work well, although I prefer fibre glass cloth, its strong and it soaks up the CA glue, giving a very strong bond. Most model shop will sell these hinges ready cut.

The hinge is placed into the slot.

Then using either a drill, or a pin, pierce a hole through the wing and the hinge. The hole needs to be about 1mm in diameter. If there is a wide hinge, then two or three holes may need to be cut.

Next fill the holes with CA glue, the fibreglass material will wick the glue throughout its length, but you may need to work the glue in with a pin. The thinner the CA glue, the better the join. Take care not to get and glue onto the part of the hinge that needs to flex.

Then repeat the process for the flap / arelieo

The gap between the two surfaces needs to be as small as possible, whilst still allowing free movement.

The result is a very strong hinge that does not spoil the look of the glider.

GUEST's OPINION:
"" (X.X.)

1. Flight
   Gliders: Test, test, test. Test the ejection mechanism very carefully before each flight, and exercise it a few times to be sure it's loose. Test fly the glider portion before each flight because small shifts in landing can upset the balance a lot. - D.K.
2. Flight
   Make a quick Center of Gravity & balancing tool for Boost gliders and Rocket gliders by drilling two 1/4" holes in a 10" length of standard 2 X 4 lumber. Drill your holes about 6 to 8 inches apart depending on the size of your glider(s). Don't drill them all the way through, just about 1" deep is all you need. If you don't have a drill press, do your best to get the holes vertical. If you are using a hand drill hold the drill bit against a square block before starting the hole to check for alignment. Then put one 1/4" dowel about 8" long in each hole. You can then set your glider on the dowels and find the exact center of gravity quickly. If your plans show the correct CG you can put your wings on the balancer and add clay until the glider balances perfectly. This makes for a great flying glider! – H.H. (VA)
3. Flight
   Gliders: Fine solder is very useful for flight trimming boost & parasite gliders. You can very easily use glue to lay it in to body contours where it is almost unnoticeable. - B.J. (FL)