Apparatus for forming artificial thermals for sail-plane use which comprises in combination a black body positioned to permit solar rays 3' to impinge thereon to heat said body and in turn to heat adjacent atmosphere thereby causing it to ascend, vertically positioned adjustable guide means pivotally mounted adjacent the periphery of said body for imparting an angular momentum 55 to said ascending air current or thermal, and electrically-actuated means https://www.freepatentsonline.com/2371629.html