The potential range of our model is a product of only two factors, the gross weight and the glide ratio. The range is the potential altitude times glide ratio. To convert range to laps we divided by 1500 feet allowing for a turn a each end of the oval course. And average design with a 15 lb. gross weight and a glide ratio of 20 should be able to go over 100 labs. A zero weight airplane built of anti gravity Kryptonite and with a glide ratio of 30 should be able to go 240 laps.
Real airplanes have losses and limitations.
Table 3 shows the expected range with a real motor and a real propeller installed in the model. We can expect our model to have a range between one half and two thirds of the potential ranges listed in table 2. Expected Laps for Various Airplane Configurations Flying Weight 17 lbs. The power needed for level flight is a function of wing span, weight, and shape factor. If we assume a streamline model not unlike a Sailplane, the shape factor will be close to 4.0.