On the Flying Qualities of Otto Lilienthal's Large Biplane

摘要

The paper describes full-scale balance tests, which have confirmed the structural integrity and longitudinal static stability of an authentic replica of Otto LilienthaPs Large Biplane glider. In addition, the replica, which has been built after patent drawings, photographs, and textual descriptions provided by the Otto-Lilienthal-Museum, was towed using a rope winch and, in a next step, finally flown downhill without a rope or guide wires. These tests allow for the assessment of the aircraft's controllability and stability, not only during steady flight but also during takeoff, landing, and in case of wind gusts. A brief description of the design parameters and applied methods is given, along with force and moment data gained from balance measurements, as well as the evaluation of a limited set of data acquired during flight, including speed, duration, and distances flown.