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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
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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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