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NRC tailless research glider
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NRC tailless research glider
NRC tailless research glider from the National Research Council in Canada (sometimes referred to as Pterodactyl VIII, referring to its lineage from Prof. Hills pre-war Pterodactyls). The project was originally proposed by Professor G.T.R.Hill, of Pterodactyl fame, and Hill made the preliminary studies. Detail design was by NRC staff, under the leadership of G.S.Levy and Thor Stephenson. Professor Hill was British Scientific Liaison Officer to the NRC at the time.The aircraft was originally to be a 1-3 scale powered model, but evolved into a full-size glider.Construction was of wood, but the wing surface was covered in a laminated plastic layer, to give a smooth surface.The wing was fitted with rotating tip sections, for trimming purposes, and tip mounted fins and rudders. Two sets were constructed, one with a symmetrical section, the other with a cambered section. Control was via elevons, and split flaps were fitted, hydraulically operated. The tricycle undercarriage was retractable and fitted with brakes.The glider was first flown by the famous Austrian sailplane pilot, Robert Kronfeld in the summer of 1946. After 30 hours flying, the aircraft was modified; the one piece canopies were replaced with fixed windscreens and sliding canopies, the main wheels were moved aft, to correct the centre of gravity, and retactable skids, to prevent a nose over during a wheels-up landing, were fitted in bulges under the wing leading edge.Flying behaviour was considered good, although there were problems with flow separation around the separate canopies.The major problem was that only 20% of a flight was considered useful testing time, along with the fact that a tug and crew were also needed.After the test program ended, the glider was abandoned in the open, deteriorating until finally broken up in the mid 1950s. Date: circa 1948
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1948 Council Fame Glider Hills Lineage Originally Pre War Prof Professor Project Proposed Pterodactyl Referred Referring Research Tailless Viii Pterodactyls
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This photograph showcases the NRC Tailless Research Glider, a groundbreaking aviation innovation from the National Research Council in Canada. Originally proposed by the renowned British scientist, Professor G.T.R. Hill, the project began as a 1-3 scale powered model, but evolved into a full-size glider under the leadership of G.S. Levy and Thor Stephenson. The aircraft's construction was primarily of wood, with a laminated plastic layer applied to the wing surface for a smooth finish. The wing was fitted with rotating tip sections for trimming purposes, as well as tip-mounted fins and rudders. Two distinct versions were produced, one with a symmetrical section and the other with a cambered section. Control was achieved through elevons, and split flaps were hydraulically operated. The tricycle undercarriage was retractable and equipped with brakes. The glider made its first flight in the summer of 1946, expertly piloted by the famed Austrian sailplane pilot, Robert Kronfeld. After accumulating 30 hours of flying time, modifications were made, including the replacement of one-piece canopies with fixed windscreens and sliding canopies, the relocation of the main wheels to correct the center of gravity, and the addition of retractable skids to prevent a nose-over during a wheels-up landing. Despite good flying behavior, the glider faced challenges, including issues with flow separation around the separate canopies. The major drawbacks were that only 20% of each flight was deemed useful testing time and the necessity of a tug and crew. After the test program concluded, the glider was unfortunately abandoned and left to deteriorate, eventually being broken up in the mid-1950s. This photograph offers a glimpse into the history of aviation research and innovation, showcasing the NRC Tailless Research Glider's significant contributions to the field. Circa 1948. (Mary Evans Picture Library / Mary Evans Prints Online)
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