Skyflash, Jet Powered Glider

[team_skyflash]

We are working day by day and finally we are coming closer to the first flight. Currently we are in the 'Delta'-testphase. Delta includes several highspeed runs as well as a lot of different tests and crosswind-runs. Yesterday we were able to make a big step forward when our pilot slightly rotated in heavy 7m/s (15,5mph) crosswinds to test steering and control-ability without any problems. He was able to keep himself stable on the just 6ft wide track chosen for the test.
We made a short video of those tests which you can find here:



I´m looking forward to the next tests which will be done on a former german airport with lots of space and free and wide runway. I´ll keep you updated!

[team_skyflash]

Hi everybody,

it´s been quite a while since I´ve posted my last update so I wan´t to tell you the latest developments =)

After reaching our 'First-Hop' we had to check several aspects like side-winds and gust behavior. After finishing this phase we began the next step which was unmanned.
To check the flight-stability and final take-off speeds the pilot was replaced by 160lb steel. This configuration was then thoroughly tested and developed. After fixing some problems with the gear and several tests we went for the first unmanned flight which was covered by the Discovery Channel joining us from Canada.
At 70km/h the Skyflash took off, reaching a height of 1,50m while covering a distance of 35m before touching down again. For us this self-stable take-off on a worst-case grass strip means a lot!
For the project it means that we can go for the next step, which will be an RC-controlled flight on the Skyflash´s own engines. Together with new partners we figured out some ways to RC-control the airplane. We now have UAV-engines with even more power and reliability.

Here´s our first unmanned flight:


Greetings from Germany!

[Frank Giger]

Ausgezeichnet!

I love how multi-million dollar wind tunnels were replaced by a SUV and a long cable - it shows the team is practical and thinking about the simplest way to solve problems (a big boost in confidence on the design).