EPP Handlaunch Glider
~Made in the USA~

Out of Stock
The Alula is a compact, lightweight, and durable R/C handlaunch glider that was designed for light lift conditions and tight flying spaces.

Don't be fooled by its looks; the Alula is in reality a very functional design that benefits from each of its unique design features. The Alula was designed specifically with the SAL (Side-Arm-Launch) in mind. The swept forward planform eliminates tip stalling, which allows you to core small, near-ground thermals.

The swept forward wing planform also places the launch point closer to being in-line with the CG, making sidearm launches straighter and higher. The sweep forward combined with a large fin, reduces the tendency of the glider to yaw during a SAL, and thus launch heights of 50-60 feet (15 meters +) can be achieved.

What's with the name, Alula? Well, an alula, according to Webster's Dictionary, is "the bastard wing of a bird". It refers to the thumb feathers on the leading edge of a bird's wing that help to delay the onset of a stall by maintaining airflow attachment at high angles of attack. We thought this name was fitting, given the low speed performance of this little glider and its bird-like appearance. Afterall, its wing design was inspired by the real thing.



Specifications:

Wingspan: 34 in (860mm)
Wing area: 234 sq.in (15.29 sq.dm)
Weight range: 4.2-4.6 oz (120-127gm)
Skill level: Intermediate to expert
Kit building time: 8 - 12 hours
Radio requirements: elevon mixing with dual rates and/or ATV (Adjustable Throw Volume), sub-micro radio components (see below for details).



Kit Features:
  • Computer-cut EPP foam parts:
    Wings are cut in a single pass - no leading edge shaping required. All parts have been cleaned of cutting residue, and the pod features a factory-cut cavity for the battery and receiver.
  • Lightweight, easy-install carbon-fiber spar system
  • Contest-grade balsa elevons (pre-bevelled for hinging)
  • Removeable Depron(TM) fin with carbon-fiber stiffeners
  • Lightweight carbon-fiber pushrod system
  • Complete hardware package
  • Construction manual.
Download Alula Construction Manual as PDF (600kb)

Click here for Online construction manual with pictures

B2 Alula: RCSD Article on how to modify the Alula for three control surfaces


Kit Price: $50.00 (plus S&H)  Go to Online Shop»


What you will need to complete and fly an Alula:
(items not included in kit)

  • *Transmitter with elevon mixing, Dual Rates, and/or ATV (Adjustable Throw Volume) on channels 1 and 2 (Hitec Neon single stick with ATV upgrade, Hitec Optic 6, or transmitter with similar features).

  • *Two sub-micro servos, each less than 6 grams in weight (such as the D4.7 or BMS-303)

  • *One sub-micro receiver with end-mount plugs (such as the Mikro5)

  • *One 160 mAh flat NiMH battery pack (or battery of similar weight and size).
  • 3M-77 spray adhesive, low temperature hot glue gun, thin CA (cyanoacrylate) glue, medium grit sandpaper, sharp hobby knife, 3/4" wide strapping tape, lightweight packing tape for covering, various hand tools.

*Special note on radio equipment - PLEASE READ

In order for the Alula to maintain the flight characteristics described above, sub-micro size radio equipment is required to keep the weight down. The Alula is a very pitch sensitive aircraft and therefore requires dual rates or ATV (Adjustable Throw Volume) on at least the elevator channel (channel #2 in most cases). You will need to have the capability to reduce the throw percentages down to 20%. Most computer radios have this function. Unfortunately, the inexpensive 2 and 3 channel radios with just v-tail mixing do not have these sensitivity adjustments, making it difficult to fly this glider with them. So please invest in a radio with dual rates and/or ATVs.

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