How To Fly a Tumblewing Using Controllable Slope Soaring

The controllable slope produces a region or wave of rising air in a similar manner as a ridge produces rising air when the wind blows perpendicular to the axis of the ridge (diagram at right).

For straight and level flight, the glider is positioned forward of the top edge of the controllable slope (diagram at right, side view) and the controllable slope is held horizontal (diagram at right, front view).

For a demonstration of paddle speed please see the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-nGiH3M-s4

To gain altitude, the controllable slope is brought closer to the tumblewing, placing it in the region of maximum lift.

Turning the tumblewing is achieved by gently angling the controllable slope in the direction of the desired turn. See video of steering a tumblewing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxaJD2RnqbU