Gliders

Year 9 Flight Gliders Assingment

When were the first gliders launched, and who was responsible?
The first manned glider was flown by the wright brothers in 1903.

What were gliders used for in World War II?
In World War II, gliders were used for carrying heavy loads such as jeeps and troops quickly.

How are real gliders launched?

 * 1) Get a running start off your launch site.
 * 2) Have a plane tow the glider.

How does a glider fly?
Using natural forces, or energy, that creates rising air, gliders can stay in the air for many hours at a time and cover long distances.

Thermals are formed by the sun heating the ground, which in turn heats the air above it, causing it to rise. Gliders can use this rising air by circling in it to gain height.

Since there is no engine on a glider to produce thrust, how does the glider generate speed and lift?
Aiming the nose of the glider downward allows the glider to fly fast enough to generate the lift needed to support its weight.

Lift if produced in one of three ways:

What is a thermal and how does it help a glider to increase flight times?
Thermals are formed by the sun heating the ground, which in turn heats the air above it, causing it to rise. Gliders can use this rising air by circling in it to gain height.

Modern gliders have aa glide ratio of 60:1. What does this mean?
Glide Ratio tells you the ratio between how much distance you are travelling forward to how much you are falling downward.

How does the pilot use the spoilers to help land the glider?
Spoilers can be used to slow the descent of a plane if deployed on both wings by allowing for more air resistance to push against the glider.

What are hang gliders and para gliders?
Hang gliders are similar to kites, and they do not use any form of motor, instead riding thermals, like a glider. They are smaller and lighter than a normal glider, and the pilot is suspended below.

Paragliders are a wide canopy resembling a parachute that is attached to the body by a harness allowing them to glide upon release.

Find some pictures of three different kinds of gliders and briefly explain the differences
Hanglider- Resembles a kite, pilot is in a 'chasis' fairly accurate, pointed nose.

Paraglider- Resembles a parachute, pilot is in a harness, more difficult to control than a hanglider, usually flat and straight.

Glider- Resembles a plane, pilot is in the cockpit, easiest to control, shaped like a plane with aerofoil wings, spoilers and other piece used for more accurate control.