Numerical modeling and flight experiments of glider dynamics in non-uniform winds

Dynamic maneuvers of gliders can provide solutions for a long-endurance flight through the energy harvesting from non-uniform and unsteady atmospheric flows. In the present study, flight dynamics of a gilder is considered along a straight path inclined to the horizontal. Equations of motion were derived and studied assuming a zero side-slip condition with no yaw. Numerical simulations of dynamics and energetics of an RC glider have been performed for ascent and descent with upwind and downwind straight paths. Both the high altitude and ground level atmospheric environments were considered. The results of simulations made evident the feasibility of energy positive ascent against the wind and descent with a tail wind. Finally, flight experiments were conducted, and telemetry data collected. The numerical model fits correctly the general trend in the flight data with an offset in final total energy. Then, behaviors found in flights at low altitude are expected to be reproducible at high stratospheric altitudes.