We make a classic hang-glider with our own hands

Non-motor vehicles heavier than air give an incomparable sense of flight. These devices include a parachute wing, glider and hang glider. The first two devices for flying are difficult to make. To build a hang glider with your own hands is quite possible in the presence of an equipped workshop, a special tool and materials. The main thing for such a thing is a great desire, and experience will come during work.

In order to get an exact answer to the question of how to make a hang glider with your own hands, you will have to study some sections of aerodynamics and materials science. It begins with the definition of the aircraft and its purpose. A classic hang glider is a device consisting of a wing of a special shape and a special suspension system for the pilot.

The device of a hang-glider

The basis of the design of the aircraft is a supporting tubular frame made of duralumin pipes of different diameters. To ensure the necessary rigidity of the wing is used a system of cable stretch marks. A strong and lightweight fabric is stretched on the frame. Before the appearance of polymer threads, parachute silk was used. The suspension ensures the optimum position of the pilot in flight and the control of the hang glider.

The supporting structure is built around the keel pipe, two sidewalls join it in the front part. In the central part perpendicular to the keel beam is installed a cross member, which provides strength to the wing. For those who make a hang glider with their own hands, it is known that the place of joining the main tube and the crosspiece is in the center of mass of the device. At the same point, a vertical spacer and a control trapezoid are installed.

It is a duralumin pipe of the desired diameter with a system of fastening cable stretch marks. The cords are stretched not only in the upper plane of the apparatus from the joints of the bearing elements, but also in the lower part. Here the extensions are attached to the steering trapezoid. Such a scheme allows, while maintaining the minimum weight, to achieve the necessary rigidity of the entire airframe design.

Features of the manufacture and use of hang-gliders

The materials used for the manufacture of aircraft are subject to increased requirements. In order to make a high-quality hang glider with their own hands, in addition to the already listed pipes and fabrics, specially designed and manufactured connecting devices will be needed. The central node is the most critical part that provides the connection of the bearing elements.

It is designed in such a way as to provide minimal aerodynamic resistance to the apparatus. Making a hang glider with your own hands, this node should be given special attention. For assembly of the device in all permanent joints , a pair of bolts with a self-locking nut is used, otherwise the fasteners should be fixed with a pin. This is done to prevent the destruction of the structure.

To fly on a hang glider of your own making means to get the maximum pleasure. And the pleasure it will not only be from the flight, but from well-done work.