HUMAN POWERED ACROBATIC MODEL?!! DLG

[@2SLipo]

This reminds me of the time when I was into RC helicopter (before the "drones" came out). There was an old guy with a glider and he always brought a lawn chair to sit on while flying his glider, because it takes forever for his glider to come back down. He's got the thermal mastered. :)

[@banzaiib]

i remember those days... when a 3s lipo that was any good cost a month's rent :)

[@effyleven]

KZbin thought I'd like to see this. KZbin was right! That was super. Thank you.

[@ifell3]

I love how peaceful this seems!!

[@bveracka]

The way I like to describe it to people is that it's like looking at a bird soaring through the sky, but you can control that bird. Once you get the hang of flying-which isn't all that hard-it's truly one of the most relaxing hobbies I've explored so far.

[@ed1nh0]

I didn't know this kind of flyer exist! Thumbs up!

[@web-development]

ya

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

@@web-development ya too

[@technoxtreme178]

Martin, the fun really starts when you learn to hunt thermals (an art in itself)...and your 1-minute flight becomes...half an hour.

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

I like the challenge but eventually get tired of trying to let the plane fly itself (as you saw at the end of the video with the 4-5 minute flight, that I cut short with some loops =)

[@thomaschurchill5284]

@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC i

[@joshuawfinn]

@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC when it gets boring in lift, try doing it inverted. You won't believe the stuff you can do with a modern F3K model. It teaches a whole new level of energy retention in aerobatics. Also worth considering that the pilot workload of a Blaster 2 is typically quite high. Try a CX5 or Vortex 3 and you'll experience a whole new level of flying.

[@kwadjutsufpv273]

@@joshuawfinn and Auri?

[@joshuawfinn]

@@kwadjutsufpv273 I would assume Auri is quite good as well, however I've never seen one in person so don't know much about it besides the F3K Review video on it.

[@EleanorPeterson]

You can have a LOT of fun with DLGs! If anybody's new to the idea, don't think that you have to spend £1,000+ on an all-carbon competition model with ailerons, flaps, etc. A simple, built-up design with some carbon spar reinforcement and rudder/elevator only will fly well, too. I built a DIY plane (called Spindrift) with a 66" wingspan for under £50. Typical flights are around 60 seconds, but my longest flight with it from a flat field was just over 18 minutes. Something to bear in mind if you're looking for duration (it's really satisfying to hit lift from a hand-launch!) is that less is more. Every time you touch the sticks you're creating drag and shortening your flight. You don't NEED ailerons or flaps unless you want to fly aerobatics. If you want to tear about the sky then you won't be worried about duration, but even then, the more you disturb the model, the shorter your flight times will be. One really useful control on even the simplest model is variable wing camber. This is sort of like extremely wide flaps, or possibly very big full-span ailerons, but they're not used for directional control. I set mine on the right hand stick (I fly Mode 1) to have 1/4" of up movement on the trim, and 1" of down on the stick. They work just like a throttle. Unlike ailerons, though, they're not constantly waggling about in the airflow - they're most useful when you find a thermal, when you can give the wing some undercamber and slow the plane right down to turn tightly in the rising air. A modern radio has lots of mixing options that let you have ailerons, flaps, variable camber, and various configurations of airbrakes / spoilers all at the same time, so it seems that you can have your cake and eat it, too... But don't forget about dihedral. A simple rudder + elevator + variable camber wing is pleasant to fly because it has plenty of dihedral which lets the glider fly 'hands off'. It's a very efficient configuration. If you go for the 'angry' setup, with full aerobatic capability, you'll have a bit less dihedral, a lot less natural stability, and a model that will need to be steered more of the time. Every touch of the sticks reduces your glide-time so it's a bit more of a compromise.

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

I agree, one of the most fun models to fly I found was the 2 channel ELF. Simple, fun, and don't touch the sticks if you want to keep her up!

[@vondabri]

Do you have any reference links? I can't find any clue to build your recommendation plane.

[@ChrisTuttle]

I wonder if there is a 3D printer STL model for a DLG fuselage I can download and print. Getting into the sport might be cheaper than it’s ever been if you already own a 3-D printer. Does anyone know if there is a DLG community already doing this?

[@JamieCurranthemagnificent-z7h]

​@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC How much does this one in the video cost and where can I get one in the UK?🤔

[@GaryLaaks1]

My record is 2hrs with a 2m span Sig Riser 2 channel. Bungy launch. I flew it down to the ground as my neck was buggered from looking up so long. Somehow I love gliders more than all my other lipo planes. Never tried DLG. Looks like loads of fun too.

[@harishjoshi-wf2xe]

can you explain what mastering thermals of this plane means

[@jamesa5720]

That's downright awesome! I have a 2.5 Meter Vista Grande EP that I bought nearly ready to fly and just have so much fun with it. I use the electric motor most of the time to gain enough height to look for thermals or I ridge soar back and forth. But as of late, I challenge myself to find thermals near the ground and hand launch right into them. About one in twenty leads to a major thermal but it is so much fun when it does to know I did it without any launch assistance.

[@gordonquigg9389]

Beautiful design, super efficient glider, excellent flying skills. In about '59 through early sixties dad made some solid balsa gliders the same size and look, for us to slope soar when I was a kid, but we didn't have rc, so we would have to chose a slope where we could hike to where they would end up landing. Someday soon, I'm going to get into rc gliding. That whole launch method you're doing is awesome fun looking.

[@tcf70tyrannosapiensbonsai]

An elegant design and Your elegant way of throwing it plus fitting sound! A perfect match!

[@wunkus]

I love flying DLGs. A fun activity that challenges you both physically and mentally. Each throw and flight is a learning experience.

[@daemn42]

Flew DLGs for years, always used a neck strap. Have *never* gotten the sticks caught up the strap. Just have to keep a little pressure on the radio with left hand to keep the strap taut. Only time you'd have an issue if you were trying to lift the radio with your left hand rather than let the neck strap support it. BTW, another fun way to use a DLG is to fly it from the bottom of a slope or near a big (long) building facing a light breeze. Can fly the slope lift for ages without having to be on top of the slope or building.

[@didierneeferc]

DJG's are so amazing! ive been flying DLGs for 7/8 years now! really love them! i am throwing them up to 65 m ive had stunning 3 min flights on one throw(without thermals)!

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

That is a serious arm dude! Need to learn that!

[@didierneeferc]

@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC where are you from? You are from Europe right? Its all in the swing haha i can send you a video if you like? I am located in the Netherlands

[@didierneeferc]

@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC ive send you some videos on messenger

[@thomasmartino7499]

Awesome! Great video Martin. I’d love to see more DLG content from you in the future.

[@gravityfuzz]

Of all the videos of yours I've watched the final 4 minute flight was my favorite. Your skills shine even more with this platform. Please throw some more DLG beauties!

[@M0rdH0rst]

I also have a Blaster 2! And a Stratair Chili Race which I just took out to the field yesterday 🙂 My longest flight was with the Blaster: more than 12 minutes, circling with a red kite. He saw my going up in a thermal and accompanied me. That was fun to watch! Usually it is the other way round 🙃

[@isaiahbarak6166]

Where can I get a dlg used or new,, I can't find em anywhere

[@gaderyfr8485]

@@isaiahbarak6166 a modern DLG is about 700€ without electronics. If you are a beginner a suggest you to go with a second hand DLG. You can find some of them on forums like RC group, RC network, f3news. You can also find some DLG on facebook via the group "F3K / f5k used shop" If you want a new DLG go to vladimir model web site or armsoar composit etc If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[@grendelkeep]

I saw someone launch one of these directly into a thermal and take it to the skies. It was amazing. Started off maybe 7 m above the ground and climbed almost out of sight.

[@microbuilder]

These are immense fun for how simple they are...theyre meant for thermalling, but I always found myself doing loops and rolls or little challenges like how low of a loop can I do or how low/slow can I be inverted and still land properly...very entertaining.

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Absolutely, nice change too from all the usuals

[@brianemery8945]

Pretty neat. I cant believe I never tried to roll or loop my DLG. Longest flight I've had so far was 16min. And I KNOW that's not long. I just can't seem to find and keep the thermals. That in itself is another skill. But I have to admit. After tossing my gassers and warbirds around it sure is nice to just toss and glide around for a while! These gliders are suprisingly expensive to people that are checking them out. But I can assure you. Well worth the investment! Excellent video Martin

[@bitogre]

16 minutes is longer than my longest flight with a DLG. I am doing good if my flight is over 2 minutes.

[@freemanmanfree5719]

Reminds me of throwing a cast net. Takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it's beautiful to watch.

[@DanielSoonKa6e]

That poor kid at 0:45 slipped and fell on rotation 😭 That could happen to anyone 🤕 It always pays to check your launching ground carefully for wet/soft spots, holes, rocks, snakes 😱 etc. before you start.

[@mohmmedrishin]

You know seeing that hurt You know your excited to play with it and you throw and breaks Heartbroken 💔

[@philipr.6090]

@@mohmmedrishin Yep -- and those gliders aren't cheap!

[@Riceman-o1p]

That is freaking awesome! My favorite thing as a kid was those little Cox engines which were super loud and they were tied to a tether and you fly them in circles until you're dizzy.

[@jameshatton4211]

Tether planes! Wow that's old.. If you want to be a amazed at something, check out tethered car racing! The speeds they clock are crazy 😲

[@joewoodchuck3824]

It's not a tether. It's called Control Line (C/L) flying where you can control pitch to change elevation necessary for controlled flight.

[@fluchterschoen]

There was an old man round the corner from us who did control line. He'd get us to put our cox on his bench and he'd spin them round and round with his hands until someone came.

[@jameshatton4211]

@@fluchterschoen out of context your story sounds very suspicious lol

[@mikevosg]

Martin, Great video that will make more people aware of this sport. My son and I both fly at WC level and competed in the world championships for F3K in 2019 (Hungary). I have made some videos specifically about F3K (DLG), F3K is the FAI competition class. I have flown in seniors group for South Africa and my son (Aldo Vos) for Juniors. He was 4th at WC in 2019. If you search for "what is F3K" you should get my (Mike Vos) video that tells a bit more about the competitive tasks for this sport. It's a good mix of skill and fun!

[@ericbarnes3829]

You should fly near that hill in the background and go for some ridge lift, and fly the thing as long as you want.

[@paulsexton8945]

Love it so wen u throw it wat are u doing transmitter hold up on elavater or just in the centre

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Yes. I actually have a switch on the radio that is easily held with my left hand, which when active, adds a couple of % up elevator just to get the angle. As soon as it is heading up, release and it should continue straight. Thats the theory at least, my practice needs practice

[@fqqures1019]

how much does a glider like this one cost, looks very cool to try. so only two controls correct, rudder and elevator?

[@terranovarain6570]

You could see alerions too that was set up for roll and flaps I imagine with it set up like that you get crazy lift from thermals and up drafts Wonder if you could use leading edge slats on a glider

[@MoritzWeller]

Just getting into these things. So fun! Also I love that this is your most popular video!

[@dickiebrewer1232]

I wasn't expecting that guy to slam his plane and when you kept repeating it, the guys in the office next to me wondered what I was heehawing about. that was some funny $hit. Love the vid.

[@pauljs75]

This would probably be fun if you knew of a suitable flying space with an obvious contrast in the landscape. Like an area mostly covered with greenery, a modest cool breeze for a sunny day in general, but some lot of brown dirt or asphalt in the middle of that which would provide an obvious hot-spot for thermals.

[@Willy_Tepes]

A nice trick is to notice the morning and evening wind directions and exploit hillsides as upward "thermals".

[@kirkglundal4289]

I love my dlg's! It's what I am flying most of the time. "Just one more launch!" , repeat. Or toss one off the slope for some endless slope soaring.

[@terranovarain6570]

Yeah with the way that thing handled would be a beast at slope soaring

[@seandelaney8639]

never flown one but seen them flown. very cool since you don't need an assist motor/prop, powered winch, or elastic cable, to get them up there!

[@chrsfincher]

I miss my dlg it was so much fun. I'll never forget going out with the turbine jet guys and going out over the tarmac and catching huge lift i didn't land for over an hour till lunch got there.

[@beanohughes797]

What happened to it?

[@desert-walker]

Yes, had no idea how it came back to. You was perfect and did all the tricks then I saw the remote wow.😊

[@Zelenskyy9]

Amazingly it comes back to the person who launched it 😳

[@andreww3278]

Yes, it's radio controlled.

[@Roensmusic]

Lol 🤣

[@yandygago2569]

Yes is MAGIC.

[@bomaaningenime3880]

@@yandygago2569 🤣

[@kelvinnaidu6329]

It comes with a remote

[@Alans-qm5ch]

Very interesting, very good simplicity, efficency superb

[@jota5007]

Hey Martin, do you activate the flaps at the last moment? Do you use flaperon mode? You're making me want to find one of these... Cheers!

[@jwm6314]

I've flown everything that you can buy RC. There's two things I keep. My DLG and my FPV racing drones. I gave away over 100 other models, greasers, electric, you name it... those two I won't give up though.

[@TerribleShmeltingAccident]

👀 wow, had no idea such a beast existed! 2 freaking cool!

[@thebrokenmystic]

Hah I’m sitting here wondering how it returns perfectly, only to realize half way through the video that he’s holding a controller 🤦‍♂️

[@Coloradodonkeywatch]

Same

[@bveracka]

The design of that model is really nice; large control surfaces, and I especially like having ailerons/flap-erons. As a kid I scratch-built a few RC sailplanes from plans. Years later I owned a "Fling" from Horizon Hobby I believe. I loved that little plane, but it was a little too small. Anyone recommend a specific company that makes these?

[@bgdt368]

Como se llama en español, donde la puedo comprar y que precio tiene?

[@JohnHall-uv2jm]

And they always land in your hands afterwards?? That's one cool hobby

[@rendher3688]

The way he throws it looks like some kind of Avengers move 🤯

[@wwjoesr]

I enjoyed all the flights equally as much. It was nice to see you fly it back and catch it each time!

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Glad you enjoyed it! Its addictive!!! Especially when you get it right!

[@ronliebermann]

Very cool. Just for the record, this plane has a theoretical “ideal mass” which can calculated to provide maximum flight time. Not too light, and not too heavy.

[@vernscheck9089]

Cliff flying looks fun as well.

[@fluchterschoen]

This guy is called Martin. You must be thinking of a different video.

[@GraveUypo]

i think this is cooler than powered models.

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Wonderful. The physics doesn’t seem to add up for the amount of work expended. I could only think thermals were helping. Anyway, shopping for one right now! Drones are getting very unpopular in my area for the noise and the way dogs react. This could be the go.

[@miguelpaixao1317]

I don't see on the other wing the option for left hander. Am i correct?? And where do i find this plane to buy It?

[@T51098380]

Leftorium.

[@monti9344]

Great to see a Blaster 2... I've had a new, unflown Blaster 2 sitting in the garage for about 7 or 8 years, with no RC installed. Is your rudder spring-linked?

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Get it built, its a load of fun! No spring, all just standard RC

[@MrBobWareham]

I used to thermal for 4 hours laying on my back and looking up 20 years ago but it was nice

[@PaulFurber]

DLGs rock. You can put in a towhook and compete in 2m, they make great slope soarers or you can spin around in a field and hunt a thermal.

[@jasmijnariel]

The good old blaster. I flew competition in f3k , loved it. Now my dlg flying is just for fun

[@stephenhartley3292]

I love it "soon get back to the proper planes and jets". While they would be quite fun I would get bored quite quickly, just my opinion 😉

[@EleanorPeterson]

Hi, Stephen! What I love about thermal soaring is that, once you're in the 'zone' you can almost see the air currents. Watching the plane is fascinating - after a while you can react to the tiniest tilts and tips. If you spend long enough at it, you develop a sort of mind map of how the terrain affects the lift and turbulence over the field. I appreciate that a lot of pilots would be bored out of their skulls by such aero-nerding, but I love it. I envy soaring birds, which can feel every ripple. Having a variometer is interesting, but I prefer to just watch and react. It's nice to be able to almost feel the air you're flying through, rather than roaring about and smashing it aside because it's getting in the way. 🐦

[@stephenhartley3292]

@@EleanorPeterson I see where you are coming from and like your discription of soaring but my eyes aren't what they used to be so I like to keep my models close to me and with a spinning thing on front😉

[@flyingpictures1100]

Would it make a good ridge lift glider and I wonder what maximum wind strength it would cope with. It looks awesome.

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

With little wind it would be awesome, but if its more than a light breeze it may never come down lol

[@flyingpictures1100]

AAh I see well not good for around where I live. I am looking for something easy to fly can handle strong winds and have at least a fourty minute flight time.. Thank you for your reply Martin.@@MartinPickering-PickeringRC

[@lebojay]

@@flyingpictures1100Slope gliders are a different animal. The world’s fastest goes over 500 MPH. Search YT for “new world record RC airplane.”

[@justinscottparry8476]

How satisfying was that to watch 👍

[@14Daysin]

where do you buy these? Why dont they have these for sale in the USA

[@SANJAYSHARMA-oo1nv]

superb 👍 is this working on a Boomrang principle

[@MrRadleigh]

Where can I buy one? Can’t seem to find any for sale. This video was recommended to me via KZbin and I love it... so thanks!

[@andyhoughtaling6319]

I fly flv drones, but this is a pretty cool concept 👌

[@charlesmilbourn6861]

Nice flights.. Do you have a sight where we can get one.. Thanks. ✌

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Google Vladimir's Models, this one is a Blaster

[@pldaniels]

It's been quite a while since I had to exit out of the R/C game, and if I was to return to it, DLG'ing would be the one thing that I'd pick up again immediately. "Back in the day" (2005) I designed the QuickFlick-II balsa DLG, only 1200mm span but still sells to this day.

[@cyborgbadger1015]

And that's magic!

[@pldaniels]

@Paul Hansel maybe...maybe

[@ionageman]

Never heard of a discus launched glider .. very cool .. are there trainers ?

[@scottcollins5060]

Looks like louds of fun!!! This could actually turn into a sport that no one could see coming!!! This could be the sport of the future.

[@darvoid66]

That was fun. Thank you to whoever caused this video to enter my life.

[@ronwade5433]

I spent hours hand Launching my Wind Drifter two, I got so good with that single stick I won a slope soaring and winch launch competition.

[@YetAnotherRcChannel]

Nice flying. Cool to see you do stuff that us mortals might be able to do😉

[@afrog2666]

lol, word

[@Gosuminer]

Awesome. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Until now I have only flown FPV copters but I am looking into fixed wing aircraft, specifically gliders. Until now the only lauching options I knew involved either a heavy battery and noisy motor or thermals.

[@tapewerm6716]

I seem to recall seeing something similar for the military. Human launched glider drones that can take a peek over the horizon.

[@10fantic]

Gotta find those thermals!

[@wacomtexas]

Love it. First time ever (aged 60!) tempted to have a go.. :)

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Do it! There will be no looking back!

[@donaldwilson5693]

I wish you had given some info on how it works. Does it always come right back to you? Does it only work on calm days?

[@lebojay]

It’s radio controlled, so it goes where you drive it. They’re best on hot, calm days.

[@bigdog1476]

Might have to check out one of those, looks really neat, thanks

[@speedracersan]

It does not seem to come up when i Google it! Where can i buy one?

[@ruthmoreton6975]

I would like one of these.. Sadly my local model aero club has a no admissions policy. I've put my name on the waiting list 8 times over the last 15 years and every time they say they have no record of me. When I went up there to see them in person the "leader" told me to my face that if I ever tried to fly in the park he'd call the police as his club has exclusive rights there.

[@dleebox2268]

Is this available here in the states?

[@sarawatechnology7070]

Wow, amazing, I want one for my students. I guess it only flies on days without wind. Is the store yours? How can I get one sent to Fiji?

[@mariadolores8468]

Does it detect storms or the winter?

[@joe-dp3ng]

Who cares about thermals when it only takes 5 seconds to get a 60 second flight time after time. To get physical and mental fun for a couple hours is great. I like it.

[@goldenfish77]

What a performance from 4:25! I like it very much!

[@robot7759]

That's one weird boomerang mate 👍😊

[@tuomassyrjaniemi]

Nice video again! I think thats really good counterweight for high end 3d flying. Its quite refreshing and addictive. Just like fishing thermals

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Totally agree! Thanks!

[@maxmorgan2297]

Hey Martin. I walk the dogs at the beach almost every day, This is exactly what i need to bring with me. Ordering now ;) . Can you tell me why RC-Pilot (Tony) change from P/P rudder to servo in tail, and are they still prepared for P/P so it is a option? Thx Max.

[@irgod32]

That is so cool!!! What if it catches a thermal? Will it ever come down?

[@Trebz50]

I want one ASAP but can't seem to find any for sale anywhere, can anyone supply a UK based sales link please?

[@JaisimhaAllalghatta]

Enjoyed the video and also your flying skills. thanks for sharing

[@harmsworthcharles3261]

Alwaus incredible stuff with mr Pickering !!! BRAVO from France !

[@PhilBender612]

Thus Glider looks really cool. I haven't seen one of these yet. glides beautifully

[@MrD]

Awesome Martin. I still have to build my first DLG. I tried a friend’s before lockdown, and it was great fun. What mixing have you got there? Standard with flaperons?

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

I am no expert, and use just the basics for it to fly as I like it. Any serious DLG guy will have you change aileron reflex for launch, fly, speed and land... Personally though, the only mixes I have are a little up elevator on a switch for launch (to get the nose up and climbing) and I have my throttle stick set as flaps (full power no flaps, idle full flaps). the flaps being the ailerons of course...

[@MrD]

Thanks @@MartinPickering-PickeringRC . To be fair, that sounds like the set up I’d do too, standard plane with flaperons.

[@timekeeperg2112]

this is so cool!!! good job!!! yes i want one!!! where do i get one!!!

[@Ohh_Is_That_Sooo...]

So after all that it still comes back!?!? 🤯 Awesome!!

[@chucknorris2952]

Radio controlled

[@faysitler1211]

That is the coolest little glider plane I've ever seen 👀👍

[@Adamc0607]

these looks pretty cool! thanks for the no neck strap tip!

[@williamaraujo18]

Where can i buy one of these? Love it!

[@MarkWilliams-rx6bl]

Where can I get one of these.

[@JoshWeaverRC]

Is there reflex for launch?

[@MartinPickering-PickeringRC]

Officially, yes. Personally, I don't have a constant enough throw to see any difference, so when I set this one up again recently, it is just running straightr

[@tosounchannel6771]

great flight

[@rctips1763]

Good DLG fun Martin! Thank you!

[@Stevesaj-vd8od]

NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE……I HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING NEW…….THANKS FOR THIS

[@GILTMAXX]

Favor me passar o link onde posso comprar