THE DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF TOP SECRET–LA MOUETTE’S RIGID HANG GLIDER

摘要

A rigid hang glider TOP SECRET was designedrnand developed by La Mouette, Dijon, France.rnRigid hang gliders are gliders that have a rigidrnboard of attack made of composites and havernrigid ribs. The skin is usually made of MYLAR orrnDACRON. This paper discussed the current typesrnof rigid hang gliders, their performance andrnconfiguration. The choice of 2D airfoil and theirrnanalysis using computational methods are alsornincluded. 3D wing optimization was done usingrnWeissinger Extended Lifting Line Theory to findrnthe best linear twist angle from root to the tip ofrnthe wing. Ergonomics consideration for therndesign was highlighted. Ground and flight testsrnfor development and certification are discussed.rnThere is market for rigid hang gliders and morernresearch and development will lead to better,rnsafer and cheaper gliders.