Shaun Walsh Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 I have a BFG 1600 which I normally fly using the front electric motor, however it was supplied with a plywood hook that fits into the bottom of the fuselage. I was thinking of having a go at bungee launching it (I haven't flown off a bungee since 1977), however the hook looks a bit far forward of the CoG for a good launch. Has anyone tried this with a BFG 1600? Alternatively how far forward can the hook be and still get a decent launch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Robertson 3 Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 In the book compiled and edited by Dave Hughes, "Radio Control Soaring", published 1974, it is suggested that the optimum hook position can be determined by taking a line forward 30 degrees from the CG and placing the hook there, on the underside. In practice it would be difficult to determine the actual CG position, as that would probably be lower than the wing's lower surface (assuming a high wing aircraft) and inside the fuselage, but using the fuselage-side position this would get you pretty close to the mark. It's suggested that if the model weaves and less height is gained then the hook is too far forward and if the model is unstable the hook is too far back. I used to fly off bungees in the 1980s and used this suggested method of hook-placement and never had any problems. I still have that bungee (home-made reel and all) and this has made me think I might well try a launch or two for old times sake! What could go wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted August 11, 2018 Author Share Posted August 11, 2018 Thanks John This may be a silly question but is that 30 degrees from the horizontal or vertical? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Robertson 3 Posted August 11, 2018 Share Posted August 11, 2018 No - NOT silly. Assumptions are the mothers-of-all- ************* etc! It's 30 degrees from the vertical, 60 degrees from the horizontal. The hooking point should be somewhere between the CG and the nose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted August 22, 2018 Author Share Posted August 22, 2018 Well I have attached the supplied hook in the position it was designed for (glues onto an internal ply plate) and I would say it's more like 45 degrees from the vertical. 30 degrees from the vertical takes you into the landing wheel well. Just have to try it and see how it goes. Thanks for the help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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