BRIEF SUMMARY OF the BMFA Height Limited eSoaring RULES.
Models Eligible:
OPEN Class - Any electric powered glider up to four metres wingspan.
Two Metre Class - Any electric powered glider up to two metres wingspan.
Flying Rules: There is an 11 minute “window” during which the aim is to achieve a ten minute flight time from a launch height of 200 metres, with extra points awarded for landing at the end of the flight within a ten metres landing target.
The motor-on launch time, up to a maximum of 30 seconds, is included in the total flight time but points are deducted for landing before OR after the ten minute target flight time. The competition is flown in “slots” with several pilots flying at the same time. For each slot, the competitor with the highest score (flight + landing bonus) receives 1000 points. Competitors with lower scores are then awarded a proportion of the winner’s score - i.e., score x 1000/winner’s score.
OK - it sounds straightforward, so WHY SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?
Well - competing is GREAT FUN and an excellent way to meet other like minded modellers and improve your modelling knowledge and flying skills. Everyone involved is very enthusiast about eSoaring and you will be given as much help as you want.
WHAT SORT OF MODEL DO I NEED ?
The eSoaring competition class has been specifically developed to suit a wide range of RC (Radio Controlled) model gliders, while keeping costs at a reasonable level. We have model flyers competing with anything from very simple rudder / elevator models of 1.5 metres wing span to 4 metre wingspan “full house” gliders.
CAN EVERYONE COMPETE ON AN EQUAL FOOTING ? -
The key to the success of the class is the very simple limit placed on the initial launch height of the model - irrespective of model size, weight or power level used. 200 metres is NOT high enough to enable a 10 minute flight without thermal assistance and so the pilots skill in seeking out and using thermal lift becomes essential if the ten minute maximum flight time is to be achieved.
HOW IS THE LAUNCH HEIGHT CONTROLLED ?
Specially designed altimeters switches (see HERE), are used to automatically cut the electric drive motor so that the model completes its launch phase at the set height. (Normally 200 metres). The tiny switch weighs just seven grams and is fitted very easily in series with the lead between the receiver motor control output channel and the speed controller input.
These units have been developed over the last three years specifically for the Height Limited Launch competition rules developed in the UK. The altimeters also log altitude against time and can thus be used to analyse individual flights in great detail.
INTERESTED AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ?
The best way is to go to the Web site and discussion forum at www.esoaring.net/forum/. This web site contains most of the answers to any questions you may want to ask. If you do not have Internet access please contact anyone listed below - they will all be very willing to help.
For any extra information or: Telephone or email any of the existing participants listed below: Martin Bell - 01933 663763 (Northamptonshire) - Email Martin@eSoaring.co.uk
Mike Proctor - 01904 489386 (Yorkshire)
Stephen Mettam - 01270 588921 (Cheshire)
Mick Barnett - 01384 343328 (Worcestershire)
Trevor Wain - 01332 792508 (Derbyshire)
Neil Stainton - 01926 314011 (Warwickshire)
Bernie Jones - 07740 181861 (Sussex)
Ian Coutts - 07788 486188 (Scotland)
Ian Lancaster
- 0118 9760523 (Berkshire)