Prop-glider
Propgliders are a class of electric aircraft most commonly used among Skyfolk and others inhabiting their world . They were originally designed by Lofi engineers, but have been slowly improved with feedback from Skyfolk who use them more often. Most are imported and start out as 1 of a few standard designs, intended for different needs, but are often upgraded and customised by users, using components from travelling lofi traders. While they rely on their propeller to take-off, most of their flight can be completed via gliding once you reach an appropriate altitude, making them rather power effciant
They are comprised of 2 main parts, the body and the wing/canopy.
The body is a 3 wheeled vehicle with a sealed cabin and a large propeller attached to the rear of the aircraft, usually contained within a cage to avoid injury. The cabin features heaters and filtered air intakes, keeping pilots warm while preventing the buildup of CO² or other potentially harmful gases or fumes, with the filters blocking out dust. The pilot's seat has a pair of pedals, 1 controlling the acceleration of the propeller, the other controlling air and land breaking, along with a simple yoke to control the craft
The wing is a large, usually V-shaped canopy with a rigid front bar and supporting structures but with a softer covering that allows them to capture more air. It is becoming popular to replace the fabric of the canopy with a fabric comprised of photovoltaic cells that can charge the craft while it is parked, able to go from empty to a full charge in about a day and a half of sunlight There's no universal standard to their design so many vary from the standard setup, but laws are in place to ensure all airborne vehicles are safe. They must be designed in such a way that they can glide on their own if the motor or propeller fails. Most have a distance-to-height loss ratio of 25:1, meaning they only lose 1 meter of altitude for every 25 meters travelled, this can be further increased by catching updrafts and thermals, meaning it's very rare for vehicle losses to occur as almost all will reach land before being unrecoverable.
Even if something happens that makes saving the vehicle is impossible, they have automated SOS systems that trigger if it goes too low or falls out of control (if, for example, a pilot falls unconscious). In these scenarios the aircraft automatically stabilises itself, minimising altitude loss with simple sensors avoiding collisions, and sends out a radio broadcast across multiple frequencies calling for rescue from anyone available.
The body is a 3 wheeled vehicle with a sealed cabin and a large propeller attached to the rear of the aircraft, usually contained within a cage to avoid injury. The cabin features heaters and filtered air intakes, keeping pilots warm while preventing the buildup of CO² or other potentially harmful gases or fumes, with the filters blocking out dust. The pilot's seat has a pair of pedals, 1 controlling the acceleration of the propeller, the other controlling air and land breaking, along with a simple yoke to control the craft
The wing is a large, usually V-shaped canopy with a rigid front bar and supporting structures but with a softer covering that allows them to capture more air. It is becoming popular to replace the fabric of the canopy with a fabric comprised of photovoltaic cells that can charge the craft while it is parked, able to go from empty to a full charge in about a day and a half of sunlight There's no universal standard to their design so many vary from the standard setup, but laws are in place to ensure all airborne vehicles are safe. They must be designed in such a way that they can glide on their own if the motor or propeller fails. Most have a distance-to-height loss ratio of 25:1, meaning they only lose 1 meter of altitude for every 25 meters travelled, this can be further increased by catching updrafts and thermals, meaning it's very rare for vehicle losses to occur as almost all will reach land before being unrecoverable.
Even if something happens that makes saving the vehicle is impossible, they have automated SOS systems that trigger if it goes too low or falls out of control (if, for example, a pilot falls unconscious). In these scenarios the aircraft automatically stabilises itself, minimising altitude loss with simple sensors avoiding collisions, and sends out a radio broadcast across multiple frequencies calling for rescue from anyone available.
Power Generation
The main body of the vehicle is packed with batteries, which can be expanded upon at the cost of increased weight (as long as they maintain the legal gliding capabilities requirement).
Most allow some kind of passive recharging, usually by a row of photovoltaic cells along the hard front edge of the wing, often expanded with a solar canopy sail. Another common feature is the ability to recharge the craft by gliding unpowered, letting the airflow spin the propeller while it isn't in use. All else fails, the maintenance hatch in the side has a hand-crank that can be used to recharge the batteries in a pinch. If in a settlement with power, the glider can be charged via a cable.
Propulsion
Prop-gliders feature a large propeller that provides forward momentum.
Communication Tools & Systems
Most come with 2 radios built-in, 1 that uses AM for communications, and the other FM, allowing pilots to listen to radio stations as they fly.
Sensors
They have fairly simple sensors, detecting speed, compass heading and altitude with pitch, yaw and roll, all of which are visible on the dashboard. They also have sensors that allow it to detect loss of control or dangerously low altitude that allow it to activate and control automated safety systems.
Beam
~10-15 meter wingspan
Length
~3 meters
Height
~3.5-4 meters
Speed
~40 - 60 MPH (64-96 KMH)
Complement / Crew
1-2 (1 pilot, 1 passenger)
Cargo & Passenger Capacity
Underseat storage, can be expanded at the cost of cabin space
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