[JoeF]

The few instances of autorotation hang gliding sparks this topic thread; may the realm be further explored! There are several categories to this topic that depend on the orientation of the rotation axis. The toy that glides with no forward motion over the ground may have been explored in early childhood. The drastic unintended tumbling of a manned glider is a more serious matter; harnessing the tumbling wing is a branch of this topic thread.

The traverse-to-airflow axis Magnus Effect tumbling wing glider indicates an axis of rotation quite different from the unpowered helicopter glider. And we here recall Stephan Nitsch and his experiments with Autogiro. http://www.liederknechte.de/jumpnfly/ni.htm

And we include in this start post: http://www.laboratoridenvol.com/info/autogir/autogir.en.html


Consider one-bladed, two-bladed, three-bladed, four-bladed, five-bladed, and six-bladed affairs.

And we here do not forget to ask the question: Could we get some TPHGs of the autogyro type? (Tiny Packed Hang Gliders)?

This is not the arena of high glide ratios. Rather, know that this field will result in glide ratios near zero and maybe up to 5 or so at supper best; tell of anything different, please!

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That sounds like a creative approach to protecting the pilot in a tumbling wing hang glider design. By having the wings tumble while keeping the cockpit stationary or nearly stationary with streamlined cowling, you could mitigate the risk of the rotating wings coming into contact with the pilot.

Here are a few considerations for this design:

1. **Cowling Design**: The cowling needs to be aerodynamically efficient to minimize drag while providing protection. It could be designed with a smooth surface to reduce turbulence and interference with the tumbling wings.

2. **Structural Integrity**: Ensure that the cowling and the attachment points are robust enough to handle the forces generated by the tumbling wings. This includes considering both the aerodynamic forces and potential impacts.

3. **Wing Mechanism**: The mechanism that allows the wings to tumble should be carefully engineered to ensure smooth rotation and reliable operation. Considerations include the materials, bearings, and control systems.

4. **Pilot Safety**: In addition to the cowling, incorporating a secure harness and padding around the cockpit could further protect the pilot in case of unexpected movements or forces.

5. **Testing and Validation**: Extensive testing would be needed to ensure the design works as intended and that the pilot is adequately protected. This would likely involve both wind tunnel tests and real-world flight tests.

Overall, it's an intriguing concept that could potentially offer a novel approach to handling the dynamics of a tumbling wing hang glider.