It's time to start another build! I'm a sucker for antique aircraft and especially appreciate those with an historical significance. Alexander Lippisch designed the Professor which first flew on 06 August 1928. It was piloted by Robert Kronfeld, a brilliant pilot. (Kronfeld had to escape when Nazis came to power.) The Professor was to be a step up in performance from the primaries but was still simple in design and manufacture. Most importantly, it was the first sailplane to employ the use of a variometer! True soaring was born on this day!

I am using three views from Martin Simons book: Sailplanes 1920-1945. I am going to build the prototype version named Rhongeist which was a nickname given to Lippisch. Lippisch spent a lot of time in the Rhon Mountains. It has a plywood skinned open cockpit fuselage, fabric covered flying surfaces, 'pendulum' elevator, struts and skid. It will span 4.025m (~159") with a chord of 0.375m (over 14") and the length will be 1.75m (~69"). The rudder and elevators will be removable to facilitate storage, along with the three piece wing, in a nice and cozy custom made box.The wing will be in three parts. I am waiting for the delivery of wing tube and socket joiners so the rib patterns can be finalized. I am still drawing the plans.

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This picture is an internet grab of a Professor. Stay tuned!