Glider

A glider is a heavier-than-air flying machine which is intended for un-powered flight largely by relying on thermal differences and wind conditions in the atmosphere. Radio-controlled gliders are powerless radio-controlled model aircrafts that fly by taking advantage of thermal and wind conditions prevalent in the atmosphere.

There are three types of radio-controlled gliders, flying wing gliders, scale gliders and PSS (power scale soaring) gliders. Of them, perhaps the more popular ones are flying wing gliders (which in essence are expanded-polypropylene (EPP) flying wings), as these are both strong and easy to own and maintain. Flying wing gliders are often used in slope combat. Scale gliders are scale models of full sized gliders and these are made from composite materials, and more often than not have a wingspan of more than 2 meters. PSS (power scale soaring) gliders are power-less scale models of real-life aircraft, and are perhaps more difficult to make, as the model must not only bear strict resemblance to the original but also must possess excellent gliding characteristics. Popular planes for PSS modelling gliders are World War II fighters like P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire and Messerschmitt Me 109. However modern day jet fighters and in some cases commercial airliners are also used as inspirations.