transporting large gliders

[mick a]

hi gents
just wondering if anyone has any tips  on how to get plane to slope in car safely
and then to slope
the 5 mtr ka8 just fits in car and would prefer roof box , but none are long enough , ive got a surfboard bag with wheels to get to flying spot ,
has anyone built a roof box , based on flight box design and have plans
cheers

[rogallo]

Hi Mick,

   I also have the same problem. Usually I put them in the car, estate, but I have been to a few UK meets where the flyers build large not very aerodynamic boxes from 6mm ply.

So in other words anything goes once the base is strong enough to fit to the roof rack.

Other wise build 1/4 scale and they fir in a large commercial roof box

R

[mick a]

i was thinking of doing the roof box thing
i see you can get surfboard roof boxes at 3 mtr length but waaaay too expensive
will build one like a flight box as can get steel corners etc

[rogallo]

Mick,
   think about lifting it on to the roof also. Steel=heavy

Just a thought

R

[mick a]

ive been looking at flight box sites
they are made of 6 mm ply and aluminium corner peices
i was going to do 6mm base , front back and 3 mm sides
will also use as storage in garage
worked out will have to be 2.6 mtr long 60cm wide and 40cm thick
and will have sloping end and lid
all in the air at mo
i can just about get in car but touches front window and just about shut tailgate and its an estate

[mick a]

or another idea , is to get a surfboard bag and line with 3 mm ply
this might be better as can wheel to fly area

[Fred]

Hey Mick,

You don't have a lot of options unfortunately
Big car (I have an Alhambra. I can fit my Ka8, ASH25, and 2 or 3 4m gliders.
Wings for the Ka8 goes on the ceiling, everything else on the floor. I was thinking putting a shelf at the back, as ultimately, you only fill the bottom part of the car, never the top if you see what I mean.

Roofbox. I am not too pushed I have to say

Trailer. That is what I would do if my stuff is getting any bigger. Made for purpose one, low and long, but this can be pricey! Unless you modify one. Cons: you need space to store it.

[billscottni]

I put a shelf in my Picasso between the rear passenger shelf and back of the front seats. Anything fragile goes on top and the heavier stuff, bags, TX cases etc goes under. Works well, but doesn't cure the length problem, just reduces damage in transit.

Oddest roof box I ever saw was built by a thermal glider pilot (should know about aerodynamics). It was at least 2 foot square on each end and FLAT. Drag and fuel consumption must have been astronomical!!

[mick a]

think will just have to get in car and make passenger (if any ) lie down ..... lol
the wing on ceiling is a good idea will try that
thanks for the input it all helps