Here is one in flight, very recently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRYdpoOakAY

jacquesm 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

What an absolutely amazing sight. That turn at 2:30, it's incredible how small the turning radius is, it's going that slow. I could watch that plane soar all day. Thank you for posting this video.

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consumer451 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Yes, the turning radius is quite something. It appears that the entire vertical stabilizer is a control surface.

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jacquesm 2 hours ago | parent [-]

Re. your other comment about the cardboard plane: Amazing. When I was 9 or so, my friends and me made an 'airplane' in the attic of the house where we lived. We flew it all over the world looking for treasure ;) It's a good thing we didn't see this video or for sure I wouldn't be writing this. That is absolutely amazing what that guy is doing there and to actually attempt to fly is bravery beyond the call of duty. I really hope he succeeds.

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consumer451 an hour ago | parent [-]

Ah cool! I though it might not fit here and did not want to appear to be spamming on this post, so I deleted the comment.

Here is the video in question for anyone curious:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTEYcDU91

	▲	jacquesm an hour ago \| parent [-]
		If that's not in the spirit of HN I don't know what would qualify. He's a little bit mad though :) I'm already antsy with a naked 7" spinning near me and he seems to have four 18" within touching distance.

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sema4hacker 2 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I'm surprised the rear end of the fuselage was an open skeleton instead of being covered like the wings and tail. Wouldn't that significantly interfere with the airflow?

	▲	jacquesm 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		It does, but this airplane is so light that it would also upset the balance, even a little weight that far back has a huge effect on where the center of mass is.

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ForHackernews 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

"The lasting memory is not of flight in the modern sense of acceleration, power and performance. It is of how impossibly slow this aeroplane flies, and how absolutely improbable it is that such a machine can actually levitate above the ground."

https://speedreaders.info/32045-the-vandersarl-bleriot-a-cen...