Glider Design Challenge

Just befor the Easter Break Cumberland School took part in this design challenge, at Cambridge University, as an introduction to aerodynamics and design. The pupils were placed in groups of three and asked to build a glider that could perform under rigorous tests. Once completed the team had to fly their plane at five targets placed around the lecture theatre. In order to do this the teams needed to modify their glider to allow it to turn left, right and long distance. After the testing was complete Cumberland were in joint first place with all five targets hit, so a final ‘fly off’ was announced. Each team had one chance to hit the stage G-13 made a brave attempt but came in a respectable fourth place. Then it was team G-7's chance and they didn’t disappoint, their plane flew in slow motion to the applause of all the schools involved. The challenge was a success and after an intimidating start our pupil' s showed that they could compete with the best.