| Gemini | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | Canada |
| Designer | Dr. David Marsden |
| First flight | 1973 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | one |
The Marsden Gemini is a Canadian mid-wing, T-tailed, two-seats in side-by-side configuration, experimental research glider that was designed and constructed by Dr. David Marsden at the University of Alberta, first flying in 1973.[1][2]
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The Gemini was designed to explore the use of flaps to create a variable geometry sailplane that would be optimized for both low speed thermalling flight and also high speed gliding between thermals.[1][2]
The aircraft was predominantly made from aluminium, with some stainless steel used for the wing ribs, controls and fittings. The two-place side-by-side cockpit was made from fibreglass. Its four-piece 60.75 ft (18.5 m) span high aspect ratio wing employed a modified Wortmann FX-61-163/35SF airfoil. The Fowler flaps occupied the entire trailing edge of the wing and accounted for 35% of the wing chord. In cruise the flaps were retracted, reducing the wing area. While climbing, the flaps were extended, producing a high lift coefficient of 2.2. For glidepath control when landing the flaps deployed to 80° to create aerodynamic drag. The outer flaps acted as slotted ailerons for roll control.[1][3]
Only one Gemini was built.[1][2] The aircraft is still operational and as of August 2011, owned by Gary Osoba of Wichita, Kansas, United States.[4]
The aircraft was flown to set seven Canadian multi-place records, including the record for speed over a 500 km (311 mi) triangle. It was also used to set the US national record for the 300 km (186 mi) of 94 mph (151 km/h).[1][2]
On July 2, 2011, Osoba and his wife Christine flew the Gemini on a nearly 1,000 km (621 mi) free distance flight from Zapata, TX to just east of Amarillo, TX, a flight which should set a new US National Free Distance Record for the Open Multiplace category. [5]
Data from Sailplane Directory[1]
General characteristics
Performance
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