PITCH-TO-FLY AS A SOARING TACTIC

Authors

  • Michael Steinberger

Keywords:

Aerodynamics, Training, Coaching

Abstract

This paper introduces a pitch-to-fly theory for efficient cross-country soaring. Analysis, supported by simple measurements, demonstrates that while pitch-to-fly is a direct function of variometer reading and wing loading, it is essentially independent of sailplane L/D. Furthermore, computer simulations demonstrate that even under conditions of rapidly varying lift, pitch-to-fly as a soaring tactic yields cross-country speeds which are within 10% of ideal (and unrealizable) speed-to-fly results. Thus, pitch-to-fly requires only very simple instrumentation, is easy to set up properly in the sailplane, is straightforward to apply in flight, and yields near-optimal cross-country speeds.

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Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4 (1993)

Section

Articles

License

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