Full Size Printed Plan 1944 `floater' Towline Glider Wingspan 39” "STORMBIRD"

Full Size Printed Plan & Building Notes

No material, Plans only

STORMBIRD

Full size printed plan on a Sheet 42” x 24”

Four Pages of notes and photos

Towline Glider

Wingspan 39”

Vic Smeed presents this 1944 `floater' by Nils-Ake Johansson.

THE SCANDINAVIANS especially the I. Swedes, were into model sailplanes to a much greater extent than most other organised model fliers in the 1940's - indeed, the AI and A2 specifications originated there and A2's were known initially as the 'Nordic' class. Before World War 2 there were very few gliders (or sailplanes ) other than the all-sheet chuck variety; the only competition appeared to be in association with the King Peter Cup (Yugoslavia) which led to the well-known Chasteneuf "20-minute Glider".

A few drawings were published, in Zaic and elsewhere, but mostly they were small fun models. Developments in, notably, Germany, France, Switzerland and Scandinavia were occasionally mentioned but rubber power was the main focus of attention, followed of course by the relatively new petrol engine.\

   It was not until late 1946 that the writer first handled a glider, and that was a built-up profile fuselage design of around 4ft. span, built entirely in poplar and tissue and bought in France by a local businessman for his two young sons. It had been pranged and needed repair, the two boys, incidentally became keen and proficient members of the Pilgrims club and retain an armchair interest to this day.

   Possibly the model which did most to awaken general interest in gliders was the Speaks referred to the 'Vanda Plaque' competition for gliders up to 40in. span, published or kitted before the end of 1950. Although a fun event, the average flight time of 30 secs. quoted for the 1984 competition seemed incredibly low and it seemed that one of the SI designs should improve on that, as, indeed, should eligible British designs like the 'Mick Farthing Lightweight Glider' (APS plan G 228).

A look through Hobbyboken three-views came up with 'Stormfageln II" (Stormbird) of 1944 vintage, by Nils-Ake Johansson of the well-known Linkoping club. This profile-fuselage lm span model looked as though it should behave reasonably on the towline and according to sinking speed figures should average 80.100 secs from a 50m line, assuming it could be released at about 30m altitude.

Thank you for your interest