The Wing and I
Author: Jim Marske
Hardcover, 160 pages, dozens of color photos
Copyright: 2020
Dimensions: 11.42 x 8.86 x 0.71 inches (290 x 225 x 18 mm)
Hardcover, containing over 160 pages of Flying Wing evolution, photos, 3-views and stories
Overview
After building many model gliders as a teenager, Jim designed and constructed his first, man-carrying flying wing glider at the age of 21 to mainly prove to himself that the flying wing was as good, or not as good, as his models had proven. Lessons learned from his first 'Plank' type glider led to the development of his Pioneer Series with a 'Reverse Delta' type planform. Like the models, his full-sized wings demonstrated impressive pitch stability and were highly spin resistant. As a bonus, the wings had surprisingly low drag, resulting in excellent overall performance, challenging conventional tailed aircraft. All through this experimentation, Jim fought and conquered his primary nemesis, which was 'adverse aileron yaw', or simply put, not enough rudder power. This aileron drag was the demise of the Northrop Flying Wing and was never solved. The Northrop B-2 bomber has the similar problem and can only be safely flown with the aid of on-board computers.
This book was written to record the development and progress of the flying wing design with a swept-forward planform. At first glance, its unusual appearance tells one it cannot fly. Even if it did fly, it should tumble and be highly unstable, yet it contradicts all logic. Paul Schweizer, a well-known sailplane manufacturer once said, "I've seen it fly, but still can't believe it!" Those who have flown a Marske Wing speak highly of its performance and flight characteristics.
Another book by Jim Marske
Composite Design Manual
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