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                              Avia Strotel AC-4 (ME-7) 

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                               The AC-4 was the Russian entry to the ill fated 'World Class' competition, where it finished second to the even more ill fated PW5.  With only a 12.6m wing span and being contructed out of recycled margarine tubs, it is incredibly light and easy to rig.  The ailerons take up about 50% of the narrow wing cord and as such make it very responsive and huge fun to fly.  A self launching version (the AC5m) is alive and well in the USA where they have a more liberal attitude to the effects of vibration on very light things.  Suprisingly for such a light glider, the highish wing loading gives it very creditable high(er) speed performance and in one (optimistic) flight test suggested it was better than a Discus!  An aircraft I have a huge soft spot for and in which the great Derek Piggot flew a 500k! 

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                              For more information see this Russia Fan site
                              Span Is For Wimps!