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Ron Vann has done a good job in the design of the Laser 3M fuselage, and NSP has taken
that design and added a very efficient planform. With the help of our pal Daryl Perkins,
we have redesigned the Laser 3M for even higher performance. The wing has a computer
optimized quadruple taper to ensure the highest efficiency. Which smoothes out the lift
distribution on the wing and is noticeably superior even to the current computer optimized
triple taper wings. This planform was designed with the help of the Linair computer
program so we could be satisfied that the Laser 3M would perform to its full design
potential. The span has been increased to maximize the glide and lower the sinkrate. The
high aspect ratio wings are very efficient and strong, and this sailplane is now a perfect
candidate for F3J competition.
The epoxy glass and Kevlar fuselage is a wonderfully crafted, streamlined beauty that
sports a nosecone for ease of entry and strength. It has a long tail moment and a generous
fin for directional stability.
On a sailplane of this quality we were inclined to use nothing but the best components, so
all surfaces are composite and are finished ready to fly. The surfaces are built and
finished similar to the Victory C. As with all NSP kits, all hardware and instructions are
supplied for the modeler.
On a sailplane of this quality we were inclined to use nothing but the best components, so
all surfaces are composite and are finished ready to fly. The surfaces are built and
finished similar to the Victory C. As with all NSP kits, all hardware and instructions are
supplied for the modeler. The SA7035 airfoil has great penetration and a surprisingly
efficient glide. We have found the Laser 3MC to launch very high and have the ability to
range farther than any sailplane in its class. What most surprised us was the sinkrate.
The Laser 3MC is not only able to reach those faraway thermals, but is also able to work
the lightest lift. The stabs use the SD9026 airfoils designed by Dr. Selig. This airfoil
minimizes the deadband around zero angle of attack which is common to symmetrical
airfoils, and results in greater controllability at all airspeeds. As with all our
composite sailplanes the stabs have high aspect ratio along with generous area, again to
enhance controllability.
Flight performance is just as you would expect from such an advanced design. You get a
flat reaching glide; slow speed handling is straightforward and midrange speed is
effective, giving you the reach you need to work distant thermals. We have found that
generous movable surfaces are more effective, both at the slow speeds so important to
landing as well as working those small tight thermals, so the Laser 3M has ailerons and
flaps averaging 26% of the wing surface area. The rudder area is also enhanced. These
changes make a noticeable gain in performance, whether you’re thermalling at slow
speeds or covering distances in search of lift.
Sal Says:
Daryl Perkins used the Laser 3MC to win both F3J and Open class TD competition at the 1997 Nats. Usually competitors of this caliber and experience will always have suggestions about how to make the sailplane better. After the contest I asked Daryl how to improve on the Laser 3MC. He said, Leave it... It's perfect! That's good enough for me!
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