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In a message dated 2/17/04 7:43:20 PM Pacific Standard Time, SFreihof@aol.com writes:
I can't answer for Alec, but in my case, I chose not to use the traditional single keel-ish drop weight for just that reason. It became apparent early on that that it also dramatically limited where I could place other hardware and still maintain relatively neutral centers of mass and buoyancy that are ideal for hydrobatics. Because my drop weights (4) are symmetrically located more or less in the horizontal plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the hull (2 front; 2 back), dropping them doesn't produce a righting moment around that axis.
However, they *are* placed to cause a righting moment between bow and stern. In the event that I still have my relatively large control surfaces, that righting moment should help facilitate rising glide. In the event I've also jettisoned the entire exostructure, being conical, my pressure hull will automatically float "head up" ... a good thing considering that's where the hatch is.
Warm Regards
Shawn
*****
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