Team Carleton places first at CASI Free Flight Competition

(From left to right: Kyle Corbin, Hugh Reynolds, James Pady and Jasper Van Waarden)

The four-man Carleton Free Flight team placed first at the annual Canadian Aeronautical and Space Institute (CASI) Free Flight Glider Competition this spring. The three-day event challenged teams from Ryerson University, University of Manitoba, University of Toronto and Carleton University to design and build a free flying (uncontrolled) glider, judged on design and presentation (written and oral reports) and flight performance.

Carleton’s glider, the Lammergeier, named after the soaring bird, featured a 2.8-meter wing span and 1.3-m fuselage, both of composite construction. The design utilized carbon fibre, Kevlar, and fiberglass over a foam and balsa core. The Lammergeier reached altitudes in excess of 55 meters and braved strong winds on the first day. After a number of over-spec landings, the team had an opportunity to practice their ingenuity while performing field repairs and returned triumphant on the third day.

The trophy will be on display at the CASI office in Ottawa and a keeper trophy and prize money has been presented to the team.  The team wishes to thank their sponsors and all who helped make the project a success!