Is there a thread on launching big wings?

[Flying Ed]

Hi all -  just realising what a monster the X8 is to launch - I've seen a number of diy approaches on YouTube but wondered if there was a thread here on techniques or launcher projects for the oversized wings like the x8?

[gliderpilot01]

Ed

I am sure 'electricmick' on here has an X8 - you could try dropping him a pm. 
also 'flyn' is a dab hand at launching Z2 wings.

Chris

[FPVSteve]

Coyote has a cracking launcher thread on here somewhere if you search for it. Sends his X8 up a treat.

[Skipper Billy]

This is how I do it!

X8 Maiden Flight - Alba Aviation

If you search on here for X8 launcher you will find the construction details.

[Xup]

We have never had any problem hand launching, just a steady toss into the wind with power on, about 50%.

Testflight

[electricmick]

My X8 launches easy every time, just like the video Xup has posted. The technique I use is to grip the X8 firmly by the finger slots, with two fingers in the rear slot to push it. Be careful in a wind as it can be taken from your grasp. Then heading directly into wind, apply 2/3 to 3/4 power, stand still and throw it firmly, with a good follow-through to keep your hands away from the prop, straight and level. Let the speed build up then apply full power and climb.

I have never found the need for launchers, ramps, bungee etc. with the X8, now the ZII is different beast altogether, much harder to launch.

Mick

[Randall]

just a steady toss into the wind

Not sure what clubs you attend....

[Coyote]

I did a thread here : http://www.fpvhub.com/index.php/topic,8483.0.html

Not much has changed apart from moving the hook further forward and loosing the chute, now it launches like this :

New bungee launch

[Flying Ed]

Great - thanks guys - amazing array of approaches, have to say this forum is amazing for its knowledge and friendliness - thanks again!

[DaveyLC]

I hand launch mine from the edge, takes a bit of practice but you soon get it down to a fine art!

The best way is to launch from the motor mount but you need some seriously big balls to do that  :laugh:

[Randall]

I always found the best way to launch any wing us to swing it from one wing tip or close to the tip but each to their own i always use full throttle right finger on the elevator and left hand sling. Seems to work well. I have in the past had a throttle kill on the "trainer" switch just incase to save props

[Flying Ed]

Hi Randall - thanks for your post -  I've seen the wing tip wrist fling (!) a number of times - have you tried it/seen it on an X8 ?? - I'd assumed the x8 was too big, but maybe I need to grow a pair as Im still handling everything a bit too gingerly.

[g.collins]

this is the best example I have seen, best seen with the volume up loud.
:laugh: G
X8 Maiden flight with split aileron rudder/airbrakes

[electricmick]

I would not recommend the wrist fling with the X8 as the outer wing fixing to the centre body is not that great. There is a risk of pulling the wing off on launch.

The wrist fling works well on one piece flying wings like a ZII.

Successful solo launch of a Ritewing Zephyr II

Mick

[g.collins]

 ;) G
ZII Hand launch