Gliding distance of an arbitrary object

[Loren Booda]

Let an arbitrary object be released at a height of 1 km above a terrestrial plain. Assume the air is still. What is the maximum horizontal distance such an object can travel?

 

[russ_watters]

Modern sailplanes have a glide ratio of 20-30 to 1.

 

[rcgldr]

These high end cross-country type sailplanes have glide ratios of 60 to 1:

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=28

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?next=118

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?next=274

http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?next=277

Wiki link to Nimbus 4
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 Wiki.htm

Official site for Nimbus 4, with photos:
http://www.schempp-hirth.com/index.php?id=nimbus-4dm0&L=1

The ETA is a motorized prototype, with a 101 foot wingspan, quite a few photos here:
http://www.eta-aircraft.de

These are specialized gliders with large wingspans, all over 80 feet. Typical glide ratios of more typtical modern gliders range from 40 to 50 to 1, while racing and aerobatic gliders are a bit less, around 35 or so.

 

[russ_watters]

Wow, didn't realize it was that good.

 

[rcgldr]

It's mostly due to huge wingspans and high aspect ratios (long thin wings) which accelerate more air but at a lower speed than smaller wings, so the same momentum change (f = ma), but less kinetic energy change (v^2 factor), so less work done, less energy required, and therefore better lift to drag ratios. Note the Nimbus 4 has a 60 to 1 glide ratio at 68mph, so it's also covering range at a descent pace. The large narrow wingspans are possible because of the strength of composite materials.

Note there aren't a lot of places to launch or land a "open class" glider with an 80+ foot wingspan. 15 meter (49 foot) class gliders are more common and these gliders have L/D in the 40 to 50 range.

 

[Tobywuan]

Sailplane design

Hello everyone!

I'll be very glad if anyone can help me to find any information about the relation between the wing span and total length of a glider or a sailplane, I have found that this value is between 30 to 50% but there are any mathematical expression to find this value?

Thank you very much!