Everytime i launch my X8 it's never any problems. That was until i mounted a bigger propeller. I went from 13x6 to 14x9.5 and my plane "suddenly" went out of my hand much faster than before! The result is a painful hand and a lot of thinking :) Maybe some of you guys should think twice before you hand launch your new X8 or similar...
Now i'm considering several options:
1. Build a catapult
2. Hand launch engine off and throttle up after the wing has left my hand
3. Build a device where i can take off in a 30 deg. angle just by using the propeller power itself?
4. Any other ideas??
Comments
Yup!! that was the reason I put a landing gear "First" but now I have a custom made "Meaning I was the designer" launch ramp and bungee cord release system... I mean I never have been a very strong man! and the idea of having a Polynesian tattoo in my arm is not something I'm looking forth to have.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnXDRBJHhbs.
I have to say that my set up is a bit complex but I have seen people using the same type of one way hook with a piston inside of a pvc pipe.. but having to bring a heavy compressed air tank is not my thing...
Hi!
I just found this thread. Sorry for the injury.
I don't have much experience in this UAV and FPV.
But I have a video on auto takeoff my Talon with Fixhawk flight controller. Launching without powered, then the plane is powered automatically in the air. But I should run about 10 min and launch the plane.
I launch another fly wing with pusher all by this auto takeoff method.
Even I put my radio on the ground, and launch the plane by myself.
https://youtu.be/AKgf9S4dQg8
Wow, just enough to remember :)
Only 2 small scars left :)
It's all healed now :)
After looking at this, I finally build launcher, only one hour of labor and about 20$ in parts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVVg1jNz118
Here's a good simple and portable design.
http://youtu.be/x0i5yzLax-U
tube: http://www.amazon.com/Polespear-Sling-Latex-Rubber-Tubing/dp/B0077S...
And we need a squeamish rating for posts :-P
My little 5x5 carbon prop was enough to put me in the ER for a pair of stitches on my thumb, and that's nothing compared to this, so I'm really feeling your pain here.
We really do need to treat these beasts appropriately, they can do some serious damage. Generally I wouldn't launch alone with something like this, just in case. It is possible to get cut bad enough to bleed out, however unlikely, and I don't want to be a Darwin award winner. Driving isn't easy with one hand either...
I too converted to wing-sling launching after that incident, but for the monster wing I'm building I'm either going to go for actual landing gear (bleah) or a catapult.
I don't see a problem with hand launch more than any other aircraft. Can't do a discus launch though like you can a stryker, far too heavy and not enough strength in the wings.
Get the prop pitch fine enough, have the prop turning at min throttle when chucked by your mate, as soon as free then full power.
My only failing has been a gust on launch which drops a wing...and is a pretty funny onboard video!
youtube videos here
Though I have seen many videos of people doing it.
I guess you can be lucky most of the time but not all of the time.
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