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VARMS KA8b Glider Build Blog by Andy Smith

 

The VARMS 3.2 m KA8b kit has been a collaborative effort between Alan Mayhew, Alan Jenkins and Andy Smith. Alan has applied his well‑proven wing‑design principles to produce a scale wing featuring a traditional D‑box structure and four purpose‑designed airfoils created by Marcus Sent.

Andy has used Rhino 8, together with the specialised utilities developed by Shane William, to design a well‑engineered and carefully considered fuselage. Alan Jenkins took on the task of building and critiquing the fuselage assembly and supplied the build‑progress photos.

The glider has been designed for both aerotow operations and slope soaring.

What's supplied in the fuselage kit:



What you need to supply


Fuselage Assembly – Initial Setup

The fuselage is constructed upside‑down on the supplied 3 mm build board. Begin by positioning the 3 mm top keel, which is keyed into the board to ensure precise alignment. This keel establishes the longitudinal reference for the entire fuselage.

Step 1 – Mounting the Keel

  • Fit the keel into the laser‑cut slots in the build board.

  • Confirm that the keel sits flush and straight along its length.

  • Secure temporarily with low‑tack tape or small dots of CA to prevent movement.



Step 2 – Installing the Formers

  • Insert each laser‑cut fuselage former into its corresponding keyed slot in the keel.

  • Check that all formers are square to the board and perpendicular to the keel.

  • Lightly tack with thin CA or aliphatic resin once alignment is verified.

Builder’s Tip

The build board acts as a jig — maintaining symmetry and preventing twist during assembly. Avoid over-gluing the keel directly to the board; it must remain removable once the fuselage structure is complete.




Tow‑Release Servo Installation

The tow‑release servo is mounted on the forward fuselage plate, positioned directly above the tow‑release pin assembly. This arrangement ensures a short, rigid linkage and reliable actuation under load.

Step 3 – Fitting the Tow‑Release Servo

  • Fit the servo into the laser‑cut rectangular pocket in the fuselage plate.

  • Ensure the servo arm is centered and aligned with the tow‑release pin axis.

  • Secure the servo using M2 screws or equivalent hardware through the mounting tabs.

  • Verify that the servo arm clears the fuselage structure and operates freely through its full travel.

Step 4 – Installing the Tow‑Release Pin

  • Insert the machined tow‑release pin through the lower slot in the fuselage plate.

  • Confirm that the pin flange seats flush against the plate.

  • Check alignment between the servo arm and the release pin lever — adjust linkage length for smooth engagement and positive release.

Builder’s Tip

Before final installation, test the servo travel with your transmitter to ensure full release motion without binding. A small amount of dry lubricant on the pin helps maintain smooth operation.














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