Flexifoil R/C Windbag

"A kite that flies without strings". This is how kite artist and sculptor Tal Streeter described the Windbag. An R/C "flying machine" that utilizes the unique Flexifoil principle.

In the early 1980's, R&D work with Flexifoils turned towards free flight. Merry & Jones were urged to experiment with a free flying version of their unique wing by Dutchman Theo Van Dort. He was an R/C pilot with an interest in the project as a whole. On a misty English September afternoon in 1982 the first successful flight was achieved. Once again, a series of intuitive "accidents" produced the Windbag. At first, a conventional approach with standard wing and tailplane layout was not yielding positive results. It was decided to opt for a canard elevator and more power to get "unstuck". It worked, leading to a varied program of free flight experiments.

RADIO CONTROLLED WINDBAG

R/C Windbag Windbag Photo
"A kite that flies without strings". This is how kite artist and sculptor Tal Streeter described the Windbag. An R/C "flying machine" that utilizes the unique Flexifoil principle.

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In the early 1980's, R&D work with Flexifoils turned towards free flight. Merry & Jones were urged to experiment with a free flying version of their unique wing by Dutchman Theo Van Dort. He was an R/C pilot with an interest in the project as a whole. On a misty English September afternoon in 1982 the first successful flight was achieved. Once again, a series of intuitive "accidents" produced the Windbag. At first, a conventional approach with standard wing and tailplane layout was not yielding positive results. It was decided to opt for a canard elevator and more power to get "unstuck". It worked, leading to a varied program of free flight experiments.

In the early 1980's this remarkable flying machine was marketed as
the "Windbag" to the R/C enthusiast.
Windbags

During this period, experimentation with aerial photography took place.

Low level shot from Windbag.

Evaluation test for U.K. police force. "Pilots" are seen on the grass next to the road.

Andrew Jones "Sheltering" under a stripped down version of the Windbag.

A successful flight had just been completed at dusk during a visit to the U.S.A. for the Chicago Hook & Ladder stack flight. Notice the Red and White checked box slung on the side. This housed a point-and-shoot camera for aerial photography.

The Windbag operated with three channel Radio Control; throttle, elevator and weight shift steering. A simple rugged framework accommodated undercarriage, flying surfaces, pusher motor and R/C gear. In its kit form the Windbag had a wingspan of six feet and recommended power was a .40 two cycle motor. Work still continues in the area of free- flight with Flexifoils and a number of government projects have been undertaken utilizing its unorthodox configuration.

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telephone; 732 270-2112
Last updated Friday February 10 2006