Water

DC · Post by DC » Fri Dec 23, 2005 4:15 pm

Hello. I am new to this online soaring. I just installed Condor this week and am having fun with it. I flew my first online last night and finished it. What a flight.. I have been browsing the Forums and seen people talk about water. I assume they use it for balast but am not sure why it is needed.. Any info on the subject would be appreciated.. Thanks

mosquito · Post by **mosquito** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 4:18 pm

we've already had a big discussion about this, just check in here:

http://forum.condorsoaring.com/viewtopic.php?t=178

there you should find everything, and by the way:

welcome to the forums !

DC · Post by DC » Fri Dec 23, 2005 5:29 pm

Thanks for the quick reply.. I will take a look.

Haldor · Post by **Haldor** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 7:49 pm

The short answer is:

Assume two identical gliders where one is empty and the other with ballast/water.
Each launched at same height and speed and when both are flown at the optimum glideratio they will both cover the exact same distance but the heavier one will get there sooner. So for distance competition ballast is a good thing provided the lift is sufficient. (heavier glider climb more slowly so the added ballast must be balanced against the expected amount of lift)
Its easier to drop water than refill once in the air....

GregNuspel · Post by **GregNuspel** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:33 pm

DC good to see you finished the task it was a hard one

kloudy · Post by **kloudy** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 11:42 pm

DC wrote: I assume they use it for balast but am not sure why it is needed.. Any info on the subject would be appreciated.. Thanks

I'm not sure about these other guys but...

I just get thirsty.

heeheehee.

Jus kidding,

Best L/D is reached at higher AS when heavy.

GregNuspel · Post by **GregNuspel** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 1:36 am

When you are selecting your water ballast look at what happens to the polar graph. It shows you how much faster you will fly for the same rate of decent.

DC · Post by DC » Sat Dec 24, 2005 5:54 am

I read the link and learned what it was all about. I will give it a try to see how it works. Thanks for all the info so far..

Water

Water

Water

Re: Water