I was looking at the Archaeopteryx again last night. I agree with some other posts that it's likely the forward sweeping of the CD wing is not enough to compensate for the CG. Looking at the Archaeopteryx , which as you said is pretty much functionally where we want to go, I think the pilot position shows there is no way [practically] that you could putt he pilot in the 'traditional' sailplane location -- especially if there is any weight-saving going on in the aft. Would anybody have any grief shooting for a home-brew of the Archaeopteryx? I think we all pretty much agree it cost more than any of us are willing to pay (not that it' not nice and all!), but it is pretty sweet. I think a composite CD wing and a light pod could make the 155 (70.3 Kg) and then the fairing could be left off or added as desired... thoughts?

--- On Thu, 3/15/12, Bill Jackson <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.> wrote:


From: Bill Jackson <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Subject: Re: [Carbondragonbuildersandpilots] Re: Archaeopteryx website
To: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cc: "KarlS" <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date: Thursday, March 15, 2012, 1:43 PM



The Archaeopteryx is a good example of an optimized Carbon Dragon and as such, is a great template to use as a goal. Unfortunately, at $80,000, it is like pursuing a supermodel with the soul of Mother Teresa. Desirable but ultimately unobtainable and even frustrating to us mere mortals who must find what is important to us, what we can obtain, and pursue our happiness in that. Sorry for the buzz-kill.

Billj3cub