Building Another Glider

Check out this Time-lapse CLG build set to some Nighthawk Gliders' originally composed music titled "Nighthawk Jam!"
Build Kits and Plans are available!
nighthawkgliders.com/store
You've seen this CLG glider before and Brad is thinking of producing a tutorial series on how-to build one if anyone is interested. Just Like, Comment, and Subscribe and we'll get something in the works for ya (free of charge!) -- But, we will only do it if there is a good demand for it.
Brad and Bruce are brothers-- just having some fun building, sharing, and flying various things-- including Catapult Launched Gliders.
As always, enjoy flight and enjoy life!
Music Credits:
"Nighthawk Jam" - by Nighthawk Gliders (Brad Williamson 2018)
The song is an original composition hacked together with some Garage Band loops.
Enjoy flight and enjoy life!
#NighthawkGliders
#AmericanKestrel
#CatapultGliders

[@onedisser]

Well done, good work. Love the little balsa-performers.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! They are fun, indeed! 😊

[@asiamike429]

Love you guys, you're brilliant. the more tutorials the better.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! We appreciate the feedback! 👍😀

[@goldenfish77]

Very nice job and technic! I like your building videos!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! We appreciate your comment and are happy you enjoy our videos. 😀. You build very nice foam Gliders! Keep it up!

[@hankmarxen5961]

Nice work! Thank you.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks, for the comment, Hank! They keep us motivated to do more videos 😊. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and like the videos you want us to make more of!

[@jimthompson3247]

Great job. Something a grandparent can spend an afternoon with the grandkids doing. Yes, please, tutorial!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Absolutely! What fun that would be! 😀

[@maxcampbell349]

I like working it out, once you've built a Sandpiper. My first Balsa build for 30 years! I built 3 Sandpipers today, but a bit windy for a good test flight, and I've half built a Kestrel, and next day off I'm going to build 3 or 4 more Kestrels, hopefully some test flights in-between. Love your stuff, Brad.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Wow! You’re a busy guy! Glad you have come back after 30 years; that’s awesome! 👍😊 I hope they fly to your expectation. Current plans can be found at NighthawkGliders.com/store

[@pelaucareca]

estimados, mis felicitaciones!! hermosa construcción!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Gracias! 😊

[@yazidsh2357]

Amazing model

[@NighthawkGliders]

NighthawkGliders.com/store. Plans are available.

[@chilarai1]

Reminds me of my boyhood. Time to try another one.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Awesome! 👍😀

[@tedmendenhall507]

I would love to build this. I am almost done gathering tools and materials to build the Sanddipper. Can't wait!!

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s fantastic, Ted! The Sandpiper is a great place to start. We appreciate your enthusiasm! Enjoy your build and be sure to let us know how it goes! 😀

[@mattnsim]

Love the design I’ve had a break for probably 6 years. I just purchased some balsa and made a few catapult launched gliders again. I really like your extended grip out the tail end.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks for watching and subscribing. I like this design, too, but I really need to build a good number of these and put them to the test. Unfortunately, cold and windy weather still lingers. I’m also a fan of the “stinger” grip. 😊

[@mattnsim]

Nighthawk Gliders if you scroll through my videos on my channel you might see some very bad footage of my shooting a few birds up up and away

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah, saw you flying your Sweepette 8" in some old videos you had... watched a few of your rubber powered flights as well. Say, now that you are building some more CLGs, you'll have to post some good flights. I bet weather in Australia is better than here in Indiana. Also, we may have to try to convince you to produce some original guitar music for our channel... 😀 Love it!

[@mattnsim]

Nighthawk Gliders its very windy here at the moment. As autumn approaches southerly winds move in. Let me know what style guitar music youd like. ☺

[@ben-jh5ln]

This video is sick

[@NighthawkGliders]

That was a fun video (an music) to compose! Glad you enjoyed! 😀

[@gikar1948]

Hope you do a build video. Beautiful flying gliders.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks, David!

[@jefferybowden1113]

Your awesome, ordered the American Kestrel and it came in today, didn't have time to build it today but will tomorrow. I have also scratched built the Sandpiper and the Tornado, and both fly well. I haven't got to fly them in an open park just yet. The weather here in Oklahoma is either too windy or wet. I'm hoping for the perfect conditions and opportunitie to do so. Keep it up Night Hawk.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! Your comments are much appreciated! We hope the Kestrel flies well for you! Enjoy flight and enjoy life, my friend! 😊

[@jefferybowden1113]

@@NighthawkGliders I am trying to learn how to trim them to do what I need them to do. I like the tool you use to cut the fuselage, what is it and where can I get one?

[@NighthawkGliders]

That is as balsa strip cutter. One of my favorite tools. You might find it at a local hobby shop or online! www.nighthawkgliders.com/blogs/what-you-need-to-build-balsa-wood-gliders

[@manuelferreira4480]

Nice Soundtrack

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! I appreciate that comment! It was fun to compose! 👍😊

[@rileyhowe9610]

I’ll have to try my hand at making this one 😁

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah! 😊

[@flightdog1807]

nice plane

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! 😊 The final design became this: www.nighthawkgliders.com/store/p3/AmericanKestrel12.html

[@FudoMyooTattoo]

Go for it :)

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok 👌 😀

[@chiragsalunke405]

Music is nice.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! I appreciate that! 😊

[@anthonybelcher8569]

Awesome

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks!

[@johnnygosnell7108]

I always wanted to build these gliders

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah, and this one was a prototype. The real deal is at nighthawkgliders.com/store 👍😀

[@maxinegray1587]

Nicely done. John Gray

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thank you, kind sir! Much appreciated! 😊

[@smusiness165]

This Is very interesting

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! The final version became the “American Kestrel”- Laser-cut Kits and Plans are here NighthawkGliders.com/store

[@landroverandrew6602]

loved the Sandpiper, purchased all 3 plans to build with my boys. Just a quick question, what are the measurements you do for the wings leading edge when you slice at 0.37? I couldn't see them in the drawing. Again love these kits and thank you

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Great video, yes, please, on the tutorial. I notice you now have plans available.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Inspired by this video, I completed a foam version using bbq skewers and foam from a takeout food box. I guessed at the dimensions, but somehow it flies quite well. Under 10 g. Waiting for the evening to launch. Very fragile, we'll see how long it lasts. I will probably need to add some packing tape...

[@canalbigmix7479]

lindo trabalho

[@NighthawkGliders]

Muito obrigado! 😊

[@abdulrazaklehni6942]

Nice.... I try to make it...!!!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah! I’ve since created helpful plans for the American Kestrel 12 and other gliders. NighthawkGliders.com/store

[@JohnBorlaug]

Love that "smack" into the wall! while in A&P school, I was 'playing' some 1" wingspan jobs, the clay kept the bird stuck on the wall as long as needed! :D

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah, lol, I think I need more flying room! Too funny. 😜

[@canalbigmix7479]

tenho assistido seus videos e ja me tornei seu fã,daqui do brazil um grande abraço,acabei de me inscrever no seu canal!!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Bem vindo ao nosso canal! Estamos felizes que você assista e aproveite nossos vídeos!

[@canalbigmix7479]

Thank you. I'm your fan.

[@LO-rc6le]

Enjoy all your videos, and thank you for sharing. I saw a girl who built one of your gliders for Science Olympiad. Can the rudder be placed on the top instead of on the bottom?

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s great! S.O. Is fun. I’m going to be a coach next season. 😊 Sure, you can install a traditional tail. Thanks for commenting!

[@eleazarguzmanrn6945]

Ur planes r great! Quick question, how do u protect the planes (balsa wood), can u paint them or apply something on them to make them water (rain) resistant?

[@NighthawkGliders]

Honestly, I leave mine “raw!” I don’t bother coating them with anything and I never fly them when it’s too wet outside. So, I’ll leave this comment open to anyone who has a more professional opinion on how to waterproof balsa! Thanks! 😊

[@melissawatson2815]

Would love to see a build video! I've made two of the Sandpiper 12" following your earlier videos-- thanks for those! Now I need to learn to trim them. Thanks again.

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s great! I’m hoping they fly well for you! Thanks for liking our videos, subscribing to our channel, and sharing! We’ll have more videos to come! 😀

[@deanjones5299]

If and when you make a tutorial could you please cover the part where you make the rounded leading edge with several straight cuts before sanding? I have been doing mine free handed and it is very tedious and inaccurate.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Absolutely! We’ll show the details for those leading edge cuts! Yes, I agree, free handed cuts are difficult, indeed! Thank you for your patience and waiting for this!

[@wingcrafters7576]

Beautiful plane! Do you have any plans for it? I really want to make it! 🤣 thanks

[@NighthawkGliders]

Not yet, my friend, but I have been working on refining the design. Weather has not been cooperative. Been much too windy and not allowing me to properly fly and test ☹️. Please subscribe (if not already) and stay tuned. Thanks for liking and commenting! I will announce when available.

[@wingcrafters7576]

No problem! I have subscribed already😀

[@hw97k2000]

Great video guys, I would like a tutorial please.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Hi, Charac. I’ll be honest, this model is a more finicky glider and I need to fine tune the design parameters some more. But, the moment we publish a tutorial, I’m sure with your talent, you will build a great one! 😀

[@user-uk3uu4ys7r]

Просто и понятно!!!👈👍👍👍✈☝☁🍃

[@lukapecar8600]

Jk man, good vid

[@dustineldridge6602]

Could you do a glider with a T tail

[@venky634262]

Wow awesome. Tutorial video plz

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, thanks for requesting! 😊

[@tamoghnanaladala1395]

Please make tutorials for all three of your plane.

[@TonhaoMastersBR]

Hi friend!! Nice video!! I would appreciate to know what kind of instrument is that on 2:46... It resembles the degrees of a stair!! It looks like its for making wing's dihedral!!! Whats the name of this instrument that appears around 2:46, friend? Can you teach us how to build it??? I need one of those!!!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yeah! That is my homemade dihedral gauge. I made it myself using balsa. It is 3 inches tall at the center. On one side, the 1st step is 1/2 inch tall and each step increments 1/4 inch. On other side the 1st step starts at 3/8 inch and each step increments 1/4 inch. That gives me a good total range from 1/2 inch to 3 inches in 1/8 inch increments. Easy-cheesy, right? 😜

[@modelnutty6503]

that little jig is great! fun Q, you're familiar with KFm airfoils? KFm-2 the easiest, right behind the step, an air barrel forms and spins. it's pressure releasing a lot of drag from the wing surface behind the step(s). steps should be 7-8x longer than they are tall... kinda ouch for how thick a wing might become with flat layering... but, I'd spotted a variant using a bit of small trailing edge stock as a leading edge. it looked to sit barely higher than midpoint, the triangle diverting air up over (and under) the wing surface for an "air" airfoil for most the wing's length. looked cool anyhow. ---as I wonder if slick tape to the leading edge isn't creating a somewhat similar effect for air slipping over it easier a little further back on the wing (from leading edge), or maybe 2/3 the tape over the top and the 1/3 wrapped under may do a little more? another "oh hey" moment, back when, flying balsa CL planes, we'd build then fog the craft with Aqua Net hair spray a few times many minutes apart. not to make it soak in, but skin harden a little and as a seal so the balsa didn't drink in the fuel-proof paint making the plane heavier. might be a good treatment to give these gliders, they wouldn't drink in water when landed in semi wet grass etc.

[@Danny_Lion]

hi, amazing video man. What is the length of the fuselage?

[@NighthawkGliders]

In this video, it is 12 inches. But I’m not so certain that is best choice. Maybe 13 inches or so would be better. I still need to work our the details.

[@Danny_Lion]

Thank you! I am building this design in my gr 12 tech design class!

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s awesome! We hope the build goes well!

[@timjones9629]

If I may please ask what type of clay do you use on the nose of the glider and where may I purchase it Thanks

[@NighthawkGliders]

It is modeling clay plastelina. It’s non-hardening and oil based. You can find it at an art store or possibly at a school supply store. Also comes in many colors! One pound is a lot! 😀

[@timjones9629]

Thanks

[@heshamtawfik5471]

Plans ? 😊😊

[@hockeybob9491]

How to video please or plans I really enjoy your vids Thanks

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, thanks, Hockey Bob!

[@ritesh6487]

I dont know why people are asking for a tutorial....its all in the video itslef...anyway,the glider islooking awesome

[@airamsilva7701]

Quais são as medidas..?? Tem como ter a planta dos modelos..??.. Por favor aquém sabe?

[@NighthawkGliders]

Sinto muito. Ainda não tenho planos nesse modelo.

[@trackie1957]

Dude! I need that box! Not some other box I can buy, I want your box with all its contents. Seriously, where did you get that?

[@NighthawkGliders]

My favorite box, indeed! Do a search on the internet for “ArtBin Super Satchel Deluxe-Divided Lid/Divided Base”

[@naturalist71261]

what is the notch on the wing for?

[@NighthawkGliders]

Hi Tim! This model is a “flapper” style CLG glider. The concept is this... the wings are flexible and during the high speed launch the notch allow the wings to bend up and more flat; thus decreasing lift by altering the shape of the airfoil. But when it’s gliding, the wings bend back down changing the airfoil shape to maximize lift. These type of gliders are a bit more tricky to trim and the wings do need to be pretty thin and flexible to work. We’re still trying to master these! 😊

[@billthompson8960]

Please do a building tutorial. I'm trying to get my 11 year old granddaughter interesting in building. She likes your videos

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s awesome! 😊 Since she’s a beginner, might I suggest that she try our tutorial on how to build the 12” Sandpiper? The Sandpiper is much easier and great for beginners! Happy building and good luck!

[@jimbroable]

Looks like a bird. Would you please make a tutorial vid? Thanks you sir.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Yes, yes it does look like a bird! 😊

[@kardRatzinger]

I just silenced this video and put on some Esperanza Spalding in the background, it was a good video to watch that way.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Absolutely! I can see that working! Nice choice of music! 👍😀

[@habbi1974]

​@@NighthawkGliders lovely answer. you outclassed a not-that-positive comment in a very wholesome way. BTW, i follow you since not long ago; double congrats for the models and the music! (I'm also a model builder, looking forward to try some of your designs). have a nice day!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! We appreciate your comment and your following! We just collaborated with the PowerUp Toys channel-You should check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/janQnHlqap6mn7c

[@hristina9684]

Pleas make a tutorial for it!!! Pleas reply!

[@aleksandardisljenkovic7429]

please,tell me wher is CG of this model

[@NighthawkGliders]

This model still needs a little more tweaking in design. (I’m still trying to make it even better). But I found my gliders to have an *aft* CG. That means it will be located towards the back of the wing. E.g. around 55% of the inner chord from the leading edge is a good place to start.

[@aleksandardisljenkovic7429]

Thanks,I made this model, but I'm waiting for a nice weather to test it

[@NighthawkGliders]

Awesome! We wish you good luck on it’s maiden flight! 👍😀

[@alfredlebeau3137]

Me iba i see thes model vifore well si a good disainig glider

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks again!

[@manojpadhi8374]

I am done with buildibg 5 Sandpiper model just as tutorial video.. Now i am planning to build this one... Look great.. In deed a tutorial can help.. Could you please share your Email id... Will share some pic with you... Plssssss need your suggestions... What is most important factor to give a long flight... Is it weight...? And one more request... Type of tweak that can help a hobbyist in making changes after built... Imean how d glider behave on which factor

[@NighthawkGliders]

Sure, you may ask anything you like. 😊 [e-mail]

[@Laura-ly4uc]

a tutorial please

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, we got your vote as an affirmative! Thanks! 😊

[@hristina9684]

Yo did no posted a tutorial :(

[@angie2099]

Hello, I'm a technology teacher. My students will participate in a flight competition with the same model you made. Is there anywhere to find the plans for your model. They watched your video but we can't figure out the measurements. I appreciate your help!

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s fantastic! We’re happy your students want to do a competition! We’re sorry for not having any public plans on this model, but we do on the Sandpiper 12 if your interested. Sandpiper 12 Plans: goo.gl/XBy5RK Sandpiper 12 Tutorial: goo.gl/hgcJAH

[@angie2099]

Thank you very much! I'm new to this event. Is there any way to send you the rules and regulation to be sure if this or the sandpiper would qualify?

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, sure... I’ll give it a look over. 😊 nighthawkgliders.com/contact

[@achmaddj]

I think the wing design close to this plan from AMA amaflightschool.org/sites/default/files/science-olympiad-glider-plan.pdf

[@NighthawkGliders]

That’s cool. Tom Sanders supervises the Science Olympiad competition at the state level for Indiana. Thanks for sharing this plan of his.

[@chywdd]

Tutorial please..

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, thanks!

[@brianlee1039]

Pls tutorial please

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks, we appreciate your interest! 😊

[@ahmednaguib5823]

What are the dimensions ؟

[@NighthawkGliders]

We have detailed plans here: nighthawkgliders.com/store

[@ahmednaguib5823]

@@NighthawkGliders thank you

[@robertlundstrom8061]

please make a tutorial.

[@NighthawkGliders]

Ok, thanks!

[@evaguerin6741]

Great channel! I left a sub, thanks for a return!

[@NighthawkGliders]

Thanks! Much appreciated! 😀

[@ROCKY-qh8se]

Plz give those dimensions

[@NighthawkGliders]

I’ve since made this model better. Plans and kits are available at nighthawkgliders.com/store! 😁

[@ROCKY-qh8se]

@@NighthawkGliders sir I am from INDIA I couldn't get those right now please explain me the dimensions I want to make it very soon .....

[@airwarrior5125]

Please , just done your Sandpiper