Self Launch Systems

[Piper Cub]

I started off in RC flying gliders but had a 40 mile round trip to the nearest slope! And then for some reason, the land owners weren't keen on you flying there!

Flat field gliding really needed aero tows to get you to any height but unfortunately, there was no one in our club who was interested in building a tug or even flying one. Bungees were impractical and sticking an oily engine on the front was a heresy imo!

So onto other forms of RC and the gliders including a near quarter scale ASW 24 had to be sold off. But, there is now an alternative! Yes, the self launch systems with brushless motors and lipos means the flat field glider pilot can be independent and get to the sort of heights only dreamed about with an aero tow.

The best I've seen so far is a new design from Dr Martin Thoma. It goes on sale early 2009 and has the smallest fuselage opening due to the unique curved pylon extension. This means you have the smallest C of G shift when the motor is deployed and retracted. See here http://dr-martin-thoma.com/indexeng.htm Unlike other SLS which need a long opening cut into the fuselage, the Thoma system utilises two small doors with an opening no bigger than approx 11 cms by 8 cmc!

I cant wait for it to go into production! Only question is which glider to put it in!

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[Piper Cub]

These SLS's are on the expensive side and it is comparable for similar sized equipment which isnt as advantageous imo. Plus, that is the price for the 'full house' version when its fitted to a glider fuselage. I think the idea is to market just the mechanics at a later date so you can add your own motor, esc and prop.

I think in 'real' money this is about £700 - £800 depending on the exchange rate.