The green mat is 1 meter for scale. You can count frames to determine the speed it you like! The video is at 30 fps like all standard youtube videos. It covered the distance in about 1.2 frames, so it is going around 25 m/s, or 90 km/h. I am using one extra large band here, but in my distance launches I use two for twice the power and sqrt(2) times the speed.

Is this for you?

The Meadowlark is perfect for outdoor flying in any weather conditions.

The Meadowlark is perfect for applications where speed and accuracy matter.

The Meadowlark is perfect if you have giant rubber bands or shock cord.

PLA does not work so well.

Model Summary: The Meadowlark

The Meadowlark is a high performance outdoor rubber band glider. Grab the biggest rubber band you have (or a bunch of big bands) and give it a try. It will reach speeds of over 60 mph if shot with multiple industrial bands. It will reach a steady angle of decent after it hits its cruising speed for the longest glide possible. It's two adjustable tabs on the V-tail of the plane allow for a stable equilibrium where it flies at a constant speed, and angle. This means that it is self righting, and if shot fast will gain altitude, and then decent at a constant rate while quickly flying forward. The tabs both serve as an up elevator and as aileron.

Update: I did a distance test and it had the meadowlark consistently flying over 40 meters, with the best flight being a 51 meter flight.

Print Instructions

Print in your filament of choice. PLA will break very easily and only fly a few times. PA-CF/GF, PC, ABS, ASA, PC-CF are all much better. PETG is decent.

Print with the first layer lines parallel to the wings. See photo.

Print at 30% gyroid infill, 4 perimeters, and 0.2mm layer height. If possible print with a 0.6 mm nozzle and use 3 perimeters instead of 4.

Once the print finishes remove it by using a scraper to peal from the tip of each wing or fin to the body. Then bend the V-tail into a V shape, and bend the wings upward about 5 degrees. Next use the up elevators (the tabs on the tail) to adjust planes flight path. If you bend both tabs up the plane will go more upward. 

If you want glider that prioritizes performance above all else but is only for advanced users check out The Falcon.

It is more accurate and has a larger range. It is less likely to hit your fingers on rubber band launch. I have clocked The Falcon going 63.3 mph, so not shabby in the speed department either. The Meadowlark is lighter so with the same rubber bands as The Falcon it should go even faster.