TLG Gliders

Long the preserve of the R/C fraternity, "tip launched" gliders are now all the rage in free flight glider circles because of the performance gained; exceeding what a conventional "small chuck glider" (used for the last 60 years) can achieve.

Successfully pioneered by England's Mark Benns and a winner of Australian, American and UK Championships this new concept of launching small free flight gliders is fast becoming mainstream and has led to a number of original designs being kitted, especially in America. When the Australian designed Morris Dancer and Discus Dancer glider topics were posted on the Small Flying Arts forum it generated world wide interest. "Over 7600 hits later", they have became one of the most informative and widely read topics covering the next generation of F/F tip launched gliders.

Available as a full-size plan, this model has the largest wing area (10.25 sq dm or 160 sq") of all the 36" span plans or kits on the market and comes with 2 styles of wing construction. Not a beginners model or suitable for r/c.

"A solid looking model, that is officially on the leading edge of where HLG IS heading" Jim Buxton, USA

The TLG Movement has been gathering pace since the superiority of the model size and launching style began to dominate hand launched glider events; none more so in America where the evolution from solid balsa wings to built up wings (like the Morris Dancer et el) is gathering interest from established glider kit manufacturers to supply this growing market with modified versions of existing r/c designs. Also, the models are now getting smaller as wing spans are reduced, 28" being a popular choice.

The photo gallery documents some of the current devotees to this new glider class and hopefully it will expand as more join in and for once, age is not a barrier.