How many pounds of lift would be created with 30sq.ft. of wing area, at 30mph, 3 feet off the ground?

Question

Also,

1) What's a good book or other resource to learn about this kind of thing, for a non-scientist.

2) I figure different types of wings create more of less lift. I'm thinking about a light, hang-glider type wing.

Answer 1

You're right, different types of wings do create more or less lift.

The equation for determining lift is (if I remember right):

0.5 x cL x Rho x v x v x S

where v is the velocity, S is the surface area (I think), cL is the lift coefficient and Rho is the density of the medium. If you convert all your numbers to SI, and make a guess at the cL, and know the density at sea level (which is effectively the same as 3 feet), you could get the number you're looking for.

However, I suspect that most people don't bother with calculations at a hobby level, and just experiment with designs until they work.

I would suggest a flying training book on aerodynamics. Pilots aren't scientists, generally, but need to know stuff about it.

Answer 2

12.36 microseconds. Oh wait, that's a RADAR mile.

270 lbs, if the temperature was 24 degrees centigrade and there was no wind.

Answer 3

You might want to check out ultralightnews.com. They have a load of info on just about every ultralight in existence, and you should be able to find real life examples to compare.