22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-1.4.3

THE DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF TOP SECRET - LA MOUETTE'S RIGI HANG GLIDER

Z. M. Zain
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Keywords: hang glider design

A rigid hang glider TOP SECRET was designed and developed by La Mouette, Dijon, France. Rigid hang gliders are gliders that have a rigid board of attack made of composites and have rigid ribs. The skin is usually made of MYLAR or DACRON. This paper discussed the current types of rigid hang gliders, their performance and configuration. The choice of 2D airfoil and their analysis using computational methods are also included. 3D wing optimization was done using Weissinger Extended Lifting Line Theory to find the best linear twist angle from root to the tip of the wing. Ergonomics consideration for the design was highlighted. Ground and flight tests for development and certification are discussed. There is market for rigid hang gliders and more research and development will lead to better, safer and cheaper gliders.

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