Fundamentals of Sailplane Design - Hardcover

Fred Thomas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0966955307 ISBN 13: 9780966955309

Publisher: College Park Press, 1999

Synopsis

This unique book by Prof. Fred Thomas of the Technical University of Braunschweig grew out of the author's work with the Braunschweig Akaflieg (University-affiliated Academic Flying Group). In its original German, it served as a textbook and valuable reference for students in the Akafliegs. This English edition has been expanded and updated to include many sailplanes and technical developments appearing since the latest German edition.

The book emphasizes physical relationships rather than mathematical detail, making it suitable for beginning pilots and engineers alike.

Discusses the design of high-performance sailplanes: Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Certification Regulations, Cross-Country Theory, and Design Optimization. Includes a reference section with basic design data for over 150 sailplanes.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Update and English translation of classic German text.

About the Author:

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fred Thomas, born in Pruem, Germany, studied Physics and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Mainz and the Technical University of Braunschweig. Following the completion of his studies in 1957, he worked as a research engineer at the DFVLR and completed his Ph.D. degree at Braunschweig under Prof. Schlichting. Subsequently, he joined Dornier GmbH, where he was appointed Chief Aerodynamicist in 1965.

Prof. Thomas was appointed University Professor for Aerodynamics at the TU Braunschweig in 1966, lecturing there until 1998. Parallel to this, he joined the DFVLR (now DLR) in 1971 and was named Director of the Institute for Design Aerodynamics (1971-75), Director of the Braunschweig Research Center (1972), and Member of the Executive Board (1975-1995). Since his retirement in 1995 he remains active as an aeronautical consultant.

In 1977, Prof. Thomas initiated the "Segelflug Symposium", held each November, alternating between Braunschweig and Stuttgart. This academic conference covers the latest developments in sailplane technology and is attended by students, faculty, engineers and researchers from the universities, sailplane manufacturers, DLR, and LBA.

Prof. Thomas is an enthusiastic sailplane pilot and long time member of the Akaflieg Braunschweig. Many of the innovative concepts in the famous SB series of the Akaflieg Braunschweig originated in student thesis work conducted under his supervision. His introductory course in sailplane aerodynamics remains popular to this day.

About this edition

• Publisher: College Park Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0966955307
• ISBN 13: 9780966955309
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 286
• Editor: Judah Milgram