Speedo Bungee

[Phil May]

Has any one bungeed a Speedo?

I've just taken delivery of one of the Mk iix (with a rather sexy matt black fuz) and I'm looking at fitting the launch hook to try bungeeing it.

Where is the best place to fit the hook.....I know it is on the bottom...lol...

Any advice on this method of launching, as always, greatly received

Thanks all

Phil

[Olly P]

I'd guess (having never used a bungee) at under the CG, just a guess mind....

[chris edwards 3]

looking at my dads glider the lanch hook is just behind the CofG, and i can tell you this glider works really well.

[Bill_B]

I think the generally accepted norm for a safe launch is to fit the hook at approximately 30 deg. forward from the CG point.

[Erfolg]

As has been stated 30 degrees forward from CG provides a safe launch, generally needing up elevator to control attitude, so that it goes up under tension, then kites, if windy enough.

Put the tow hook directly under the CG and the model will probably need some down, at times, Generally gets the maximum height. Not sure it needs any more skill. Although experience with models at the 30 degree point will have provided experience of what to do when.

Bungees need skill to get a good height, be it rubber chord, surgical tubing or the dreaded Bungee chord.

[Stephen Jones]

Hi ,

I hope to do a video on Bungee lauch shortly , to demo how i use my launch pad for one man operation .

[Erfolg]

I guess you are talking DF models Stephen?

For gliders, one man launch is normal, safe. It just requires, a big heave to get the model moving. Both hands back on the transmitter, to control attitude, keeping tension and preventing a stall. Simples!

I just wonder if most glider fliers using bungees, were mainly , thumb on stick modellers, rather than finger and thumb flyers, and no T'x tray. As speed of getting to the sticks was important.

Edited By Erfolg on 07/08/2012 10:31:25

[PatMc]

IMO using a bungee with a Speedo is a waste of time & effort. Far better to save it for the slope & use something bigger & more suited to thermal flying for bungee launching.

[Stephen Jones]

Yes Erfolg ,

Df or pusher type models do you think peolpe will be interested

[Erfolg]

It would interest me, I am looking for a way to launch my Me 163 by Cloud Models.

Apparently needs a good heave to get going, so a bungee, designed for speed, rather than height is what the doctor ordered.

From Parmacs reaction guess it is small, or heavily loaded. As for the merits of bungee launching. If that floats your boat, why not.

[Panther1]

The hook goes forward of the CG point. (at least an inch) It gives much better control than being on the CG and tows straighter.

[Erfolg]

If your model is a glider, the old, location would be fixed by projecting a line at 30 degree from where the CG is located on the wing. This provides a very safe location.

There was a trend to locate the tow hook directly under the CG, this allowed a max. height launch for the more experienced.

Where ever you locate the hook, do not expect the model to take care of itself, whilst on the line. Both pitch and direction (via rudder) needs to be controlled to ensure a good launch. Left to itself, anything could and will happen.

If launching in very strong wind, models will go behind you as the line and rubber are further stretched. If not controlled a line/rubber break can occur.

I am not sure that many current small models have particularly strong wings, so the other possibility is a wing fold. In the past this was a rarity as the spars were as strong as houses. The down side was a heavier model than is required for a motored type glider.

[Mark Agate]

Did anyone else look at the title of this thread and imagine a launch catapault make of loads of swimming trunks knotted together?

[Frank Skilbeck]

Posted by Erfolg on 07/08/2012 10:29:54:

I just wonder if most glider fliers using bungees, were mainly , thumb on stick modellers, rather than finger and thumb flyers, and no T'x tray. As speed of getting to the sticks was important.

Edited By Erfolg on 07/08/2012 10:31:25

I'm a finger and thumb flier with a tray and bungy launching my Easy Glider is no problem, but then again it went off well with the rx switched off, not quite as good a height, but it came off the end, did 4 or 5 circuits and landed in the next field. Also the most important stick to get hold off quickly is the rudder.

I repaired a really old bungy set where the exposed elastic tubing had all perished and replaced that with a section of tubing that hobbyking sell. Total tubing length is approx 25-30m with 70-80m of line, strectching it 50 paces or so the best launch todate has been around 110m.

I've let several people have a go with my Easy Glider and i think most have been surprised at how easy it is, good fun everybody should give it a try, not sure this is really Speedo fare though.

[Steve Houghton 1]

I did try to hi start my Speedo, fitted a hook approx ¾" in front of the COG but it kept coming off the hook during the steep climb.

Mind you, this was on a 10mm bungee and the Speedo was probably to light for it, and the hook possibly not far enough forward.

Steve

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