Dynamic soaring update - 505 mph

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the achievement of a radio control glider reaching a speed of 505 mph, which may be a current record. Participants explore the mechanics of dynamic soaring, the conditions under which the record was set, and the implications for model aircraft speeds, including comparisons to other types of powered models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a video of a glider achieving 505 mph, noting the wind conditions and the visibility issues during the flight.
  • Another participant questions whether the 505 mph record applies to all model aircraft, suggesting that other powered models might have different speed records.
  • Concerns are raised about the rules governing model aircraft speeds, including the visibility requirements for operators and the limitations of certain powered models in handling high centripetal accelerations.
  • Some participants mention that military drones can achieve supersonic speeds, indicating a broader context for discussions on aircraft capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the 505 mph record to various types of model aircraft, and there is no consensus on the implications of the speed achieved or the rules governing model aircraft.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for "waivers" regarding speed restrictions in different countries, and the discussion includes assumptions about the capabilities of different aircraft types under specific conditions.

rcgldr
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The previous threads are too old to reply to, so here's a link to a video of a radio control glider achieving 505 mph, which I think is the current record. The wind speeds were 50 to 62 mph, with gusts up to 68 mph. Near the end of the video, the glider drops out of sight of the camere due to a bulge in the slope, but the pilots view was not blocked and you hear the glider zooming upwards as it goes past the camera. Note the guys with the radar guns and cameras take shelter behind walls made of fairly large rocks, as seen in the second video.



Earlier that same day, a run of 503 mph:



Wiki article that explains how this works:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_soaring
 
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rcgldr said:
The previous threads are too old to reply to, so here's a link to a video of a radio control glider achieving 505 mph, which I think is the current record.

That could be a record for any model aircraft including those powered by pulse jets or gas turbines (440mph?).
 
CWatters said:
That could be a record for any model aircraft including those powered by pulse jets or gas turbines (440mph?).
There are rules that restrict the top speed of models depending on the country ("waivers" are possible), and the issue of a radio control model operator being able to see the aircraft, and the jets can't handle the 50+ g's of centripetal acceleration that the dynamic soaring gliders deal with in order to move in circles tight enought to remain visible to a ground based "pilot". As for remote controlled aircraft, some military drones are supersonic.