Question about glide ratios (for the aerodynamically skilled)

Check out the Ximango Motorglider for inspiration...

32:1 L/D with an engine, too!

http://www.ximangousa.com



Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...smack-smack-smack-smack..."

Originally Posted by Tina

Thanks everyone.

The airplane we need for the story is a pilotless drone, a fictional
airplane, capable of carrying a few hundred pound payload long
distances -- think in terms of drones used by the DoD now.

The principal author will model it after some of the existing high
performance gliders,

Then you are looking for Dick Butler's Frankenglider (he calls it the Eta Biter). Dick is a real life rocket scientist or engineer and has highly modified an ASW-22. It probably performs well over 60:1 and can easily carry your payload if the shape will fit and the plane remains within CG limits.

V7