Initially, we were inspired by flying squirrels to create a glider drone. After doing some research about common gliders and sailplanes, we sourced for some materials to build rudimentary prototypes.
One prototype is a ready-made kite. As its centre of gravity is in the middle, it drops steadily and does not glide very well, as shown in the video below.
Video of kite gliding: https://youtu.be/z9tuhAhAodw
The second prototype is a balsa wood plane modelled after sailplanes, and inspired by Suzuki and Kawamura, 1996. According to the paper, such a design maximises lift-to-drag ratio, which would be ideal for gliding. However, after repeat experimentation, its centre of gravity lies too far to its nose, hence it loses altitude rather quickly. Hence, it is not ideal for gliding.
Video of balsa gliding: https://youtu.be/z9tuhAhAodw
The third prototype is a foam plane modelled after fighter jets. From repeated observation, its flight pattern is suitable for gliding as the plane flies slowly and loses altitude at a much slower pace. We concluded that its centre of gravity lies in a ‘sweet spot’ between the nose and the middle of the structure such that the weight produces a moment that causes it to glide.
Video of foam gliding: https://youtu.be/LmUkhpT2Owc
References:
Suzuki, S., & Kawamura, N. (1996). Simultaneous optimization of sailplane design and its flight trajectory. Journal of Aircraft,33(3), 567-571. doi:10.2514/3.46982