In a tandem wing configuration like this it is unwise to make the forward wing the low one. This is because at high angles of attack (think takeoff, landing, low speed flight, climbing) the rear wing will end up in the “dirty” turbulent wake of the first wing. Wings are much more efficient in “clean” smooth air. The lower lifting efficiency in situations where you need high lift (see previous list of high angle of attack settings) makes a design dangerous.<p>If you’re interested in this sort of stuff, this is the best book I’ve found on the subject, it is very practical and written with the engineering minded amateur designer in mind: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Design-Aeroplane-2e-Darrol-Stinton-dp-0632054018/dp/0632054018/ref=dp_ob_title_bk" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Design-Aeroplane-2e-Darrol-Stinton-dp...</a>
Well, in response to Sokoloff’s comment below I did some more reading (the history tab on the linked site), followed by googling. Turns out the designer of this plane died in a crash while testing it. I found a crash report here: <a href="http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/217844" rel="nofollow">http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/217844</a>
I had a childhood dream of building my own moto-glider.<p>I managed to advance to an unpowered glider, but without
a motor, and no chance to get a tow from anybody.<p>I managed to take off once, for a few meters from a slope, and that was it.<p>Once I hit 16, I had to leave Russia, and the unpowered glider parts still lie in my uncle's garage.
very cool design, one of the few airframes that can gain altitude without pitching up -- this is an important safety feature as it reduces chance to stall.<p>On the flipside, though, stalling a Ligeti Stratos is probably a major event since it's almost a flying-wing.
I'm not sure "open sourcing" a major piece of hardware (like an airplane) has a lot of meaning. Kit plans for experimental aircraft are pretty easy to get for a few hundred bucks. But your still thousands of dollars and hours away from having an
airplane.<p>It's a pretty thing for sure. And I think it's neat they want to give away plans. Just don't think it's a big impact.