Discoverer x 1.5

Wingspan: 108 inches

Engine: OS 25la

Type: Powered glider

Description
Now here's one that Ken Swailes built and sold to me in the summer of 2006. The Discoverer was designed by John Ralph, for .5 to .8cc engines, with the original having a wingspan of 72 inches, and was a plan featured in the RCM&E lists some time before 1989.

Ken's 1.5x enlarged version is powered quite adequately by an OS 25la, and makes an excellent powered canard glider that can be flown to even greater heights than the orginal due to the increased size. The 108 inch wing span has its disadvantages when packing all your flying gear into a small car, but it is always worth the effort when the engine stops and the unusual canard shape is flying at 1000 feet.


It's a large plane that needs a hefty chuck	Sailing in after a thermal hunting trip

I am looking forward to those calm sunny days when thermals abound, and I can practice a bit of thermal soaring. Watching any glider climb away in a thermal is always so relaxing, and inspiring.

All pictures by Kevin Fox

Most exciting moment
None so far.

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