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16th Mar 2018

Our foolproof guide to building a flying machine for Red Bull Flugtag 2018

JOE

Brought to you by Red Bull Flugtag.

“If you build it, they will come.”

Field of Dreams may seem like an unusual movie reference to use but Kevin Costner’s mission isn’t a million miles away from entering Red Bull Flugtag.

Some people might think you’re crazy for doing it but it’s something you just have to do. You’ll be amazed how many people turn out to see what you’re made. Just like Red Bull Flugtag, Field of Dreams is all about fulfilling a dream, doing something you’re passionate about and jumping off a nine-metre pier on top of a crazy flying contraption.

Well, maybe not that last bit but you get the idea.

Red Bull Flugtag is coming back to Ireland for the first time in six years and it will take place in Dun Laoghaire on Sunday, May 20. If you’re planning to enter a team, we’ve a few simple tips to help you build your own flying machine.

That way, you can hopefully avoid what happened to this guy.

Get your design right

Your design needs to be good enough to get accepted into the event so a smart design can help you clear that first hurdle. It’s also better to spend time coming up with a good design than to spend ages trying to make a bad design work. Think about what you want it to do (fly) and work back from there.

Weight versus strength

This is a tricky one. You don’t want it to fall apart when you launch but a solid construction can mean more weight, which increases the chances of you hurtling into the water below. Lightweight materials can also be more expensive. So it’s a balance between the cost, your ambitions and your fear of nosediving into a harbour in front of a few thousand people!

Think about the aerodynamics

Even if you’re a team of international sprinters, it’s going to be hard to build up much momentum and to get the lift you need. So some teams use winglets to give them more lift, for instance. Others use a moving platform to get their plane higher and generate more lift. If you don’t have a science boffin on your team, here’s a quick crash course on the physics involved.

https://youtu.be/Gg0TXNXgz-w

Clip via minutephysics

Get the look right

Red Bull Flugtag is all about creativity and looking the part. It’s a bit like Halloween – you’ll feel more embarrassed if you don’t make an effort when everyone else is dressed up. Remember that there are points for showmanship. Plus, at least you’ll look the part, even if your flying machine sucks!

Red Bull Flugtag tips

Look at what worked for other people

Even if you do have a team that’s full of scientists, mechanics, designers and daredevil pilots, you can always learn from others. Check out YouTube videos of other teams’ efforts to see what does and doesn’t work. Think of it as homework that you’ll actually enjoy doing.

It can be the difference between sinking like a stone while wearing a giant silver hula hoop…

Red Bull Flugtag tips

…And soaring like an eagle!

Red Bull Flugtag tips

For more information, check out the Red Bull Flugtag website.

Brought to you by Bed Bull Flugtag.