Setup
Balance the model.
Balance the model as per the guidance given on the plan set. The starting balance
point (Center of Gravity or CG) has been marked on the wing of the glider in the form of two small holes.
See the plan set for the location of the balance point.
Suspend the model from your thumb and index finger at the balance points on right and left of wing.
When viewed from the side the bottom of the fuselage should appear to hang level with the horizon. If
the model hangs nose down, remove clay ballast from the nose or add clay ballast to the tail. If the model
hangs tail low with the nose pitched up, add clay ballast to the nose of the model. Once you have
adjusted the balance point proceed to glide test your model.
Glide test.
The purpose of this test is to check the overall behavior of the model prior to using it under a
more powerful elastic launch.
Do not neglect to perform this test
as hard gymnasium floors are a
formidable opponent for the out of trim glider. Your scimon will not likely remain in one piece if fired into
the ground at full power! The scimon was designed as an indoor glider but will still perform well outdoors
in calm conditions. Perform this test in near zero wind conditions outdoors or pick a large indoor venue
such as an auditorium or gymnasium. Pick a point on the horizon just to the
right
(
left
for
left-handed
launch) of the current wind direction (outdoors) and aim for it (this will result in a more level toss). With
wings level to the horizon, give the model a smart but gentle toss. Resist the urge to toss the model up or
shove it down.
Desired result:
For models setup to launch
right-handed
. The model should glide in a lazy
left-hand
turn and land at a near level attitude (
Left-handed
setup should produce a lazy
right-hand
turn).
If the models nose pitches
up
followed by an abrupt loss in both speed and altitude, the model is stalling.
Try adding a tiny amount of ballast to the nose and try your toss again. Likewise, if the model dives
abruptly you should try removing ballast from the nose and/or adding ballast to the tail.
Continue the glide test until you have achieved the
desired result
with your model.
If the model is not turning or gliding as expected, inspect your airframe for warps and proper assembly.
Model balance will generally control the gliders speed and stall. Stabilizer tilt will control glide circle as
will rudder to some degree (though rudder is really most effective at transition - more on that later).
First Flight
After a successful glide test it is time to try the model under power. The following instructions assume a
right-handed
launch, directions for
left-handed
launch will be just the opposite as given with regard to
right
and
left
designations.
Each flight can be broken into four distinct components setup, launch, transition, glide.
1.
Setup.
Launch angle and power are critical to a successful flight the scimon launches highest and
transitions best when the following launch angle and power setup is adhered to.
Grab your scimon and elastic launcher, with the launch stick held in your
left
hand and the
glider in your
right
; hook the loop end of the elastic through the launch lug (notch under the
ballast pocket at the nose of the glider).
Build Instructions
scimon 30 V2 Build Instructions. © 2014 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.
!
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