Electric motors on Hang gliders; a love story - 4k

The early hang glider power units in the late 70s (like the Soarmaster) were fitted to the frame. However if you get into a negative g situation (straps go loose, so the pilot no longer has pitch control) then the high thrust line will push the glider over into a tumble. It's much safer to attach the power unit to the hanging mass, i.e the pilot. This is why they stopped making them like this and Mosquito, Wasp, Doodlebug etc, as well as every weight shift microlight trike always has the thrust on the pilot (or trike), not on the wing. The e-help is a great modern example of an electric power unit on the pilot. With low amounts of thrust and smooth coastal air then you'll get away with this like they did in the late 70s, but if you get tempted to start putting more thrust on it or flying it in spicier air then it could get dangerous.

Looks awesome- tons of fun and locally too, great videos!

I can’t stand being outside without sunglasses, and wear really well fitting safety glasses when I’m on my motorcycle to keep the wind out of my eyes. How you are out there flying around in the bright sky, wind blasting in your face and no eye protection baffles me. Love the concept though! I am a remote control pilot and love slope soaring , I have a few powered gliders too.

Very Kool Rob, love the latest design nice video mate👍

Excellent, guys! I built a working hang glider when I was going to tech school in Phoenix, AZ back in '72. Bedsheets, bamboo carpet poles, and nylon twine. Drew it on a napkin and built it once I had the materials. It got me off the ground for about a minute before a gust told it to fold on me. School got busier about then and I never did go back to it. Fond memories seeing you fly them so easily. xox Curious of the cost nowadays, especially for a powered version.

Brilliant idea

BEEN FLYING RC OFF THE BEACH FOR 40 YEARS! SMOOTH AIR WHEN OFF THE OCEAN OR DOWN THE BEACH!, STARTING FLYING ELECTRIC IN 1988! THANKS FOR SHARING. HAD THREE HANG GLIDERS AND NEVER FLEW THEM. MY LOSS.

That wa incredible... God job... Well done...

u guys make it look so easy

Very cool!

Very cool.

you guys look like you are straight out of the 70's, when i used to fly....around Sydney.

This brought back some memories, I learned to fly in WA back in the early 90's. Good times.

One of the best things about gliding? The QUIET. Getting away from all the noise, from traffic, neighbours, HP ringtones and crap labelled as music

any thoughts about how this might be used along with a ballistic parachute? Very cool project, and the filming was great. I miss WA coastline.

for more thrust, fix a tapered duct on the upright around the propelers

I've flown in my dreams for years. But you guys fly in the daylight! Looks fun.

very nice

Pretty unique

Very cool ..!