Dolly launch

[Oscar]

In our last pilot meeting, someone (Ken???) had suggested to use a dolly to launch the plane.  Today, I came across two videos of a pilot who successfully use the dolly to launch his Durafly Vampire and Dynam Meteor (/w bungee dolly launch).  It's quite amazing.  No more hand launch failure. 

https://youtu.be/YurQTJk43BI

https://youtu.be/wn7ZO-jSF18

[deltawing]

Having the same idea for some times until recently I have a jet with a fat fuselage that I`m not able to grab, small hands.

Yesterday I test drive my version of this dolly launcher with a Hot Air dummy plane and here is a short video.

https://youtu.be/bqKDV-tthVQ

Some pictures & detail construction could be found on internet;
http://www.scalerocketry.com/gstyk/other/jets/dollylauncher.html

[Oscar]

Sweet

[thehaze]

Having the same idea for some times until recently I have a jet with a fat fuselage that I`m not able to grab, small hands.

Yesterday I test drive my version of this dolly launcher with a Hot Air dummy plane and here is a short video.

https://youtu.be/bqKDV-tthVQ

Some pictures & detail construction could be found on internet;
http://www.scalerocketry.com/gstyk/other/jets/dollylauncher.html

It would be even more impressive if it wasn't in the pits.

[Wingnutz]

I pity the poor guy flying the Dynam Meteor...flies on his eyes and a non-stop nattering telemetry system! 

[deltawing]

Mike, You're very right; I was testing the launcher at the north end of the pits area. 
I will have my future launches within the 'no fly zone' which is outside the pits area, east of the pilots' line. 
Thanks for reminding me.

I attached our field map to remind ourselves about this safety rule.
 

[sihinch]

Sorry, maybe it's a miscommunication but no fly zone means no fly. So no take off, no landing, no launching, no flying.

All flight should be east of the flight line.

[piker]

Hmmm.... True...., but then this rule is misleading:

"8.Bungee launches must be done observing the following: ◦Launches to the south must be done from the south side of the southernmost pilot station.
◦Launches to the north must be done from the north side of the northernmost pilot station."

Perhaps it should be added that they must be performed from within the flying area... but I've never seen one done from out there...

[sihinch]

I guess "east of the pilot stations and with the aircraft pointed in to the flying area" would settle it? Would it?

[deltawing]

Obviously location for bungee launcher is a safety issue.

I saw once a group of students bungee and hand launch their FPV aircraft on the east side of our new runway (a safe spot).  It usually take couple of minutes to setup and adjust before launch but it is right in the middle of the field.  It is perfectly fine if no pilot is flying at that moment.  If one plane is already on the air that couple minutes might long enough to delay its window for landing. Damn out of juice!

By common sense we do not want a fix launcher or even a small dolly anywhere within the run way as it is an obstacle for landing.   
If I'm correct,  the only safe place for bungee launcher will be the two very far ends of the runway, end of whole runway at north and south sides. (if excluding the no fly zone)

My question is;
Should it be always east of the flight line (nowhere within no fly zone) or
Two designated areas in the no fly zone (launch to flying area only) or
Most area within no fly zone as long as it is east of the pilot stations and with the aircraft pointed in to the flying area.

Personally I prefer two designated areas as it is safer, clear and less obstruction, otherwise launcher could be set too close to any station.

Based on our field map, I added two designated bungee launch areas for consideration, size and location of each area is subjected to be review. 

[deltawing]

Here is another video on the same bungee dolly launching a F-22 Raptor.   The 10 feet bungee from Home Depot is not long & super strong but powerful enough to pulling the F-22 (1.3Kg) to airborne without any throttle.  At one incident it was release before ready and I have to apply throttle seconds after it airborne. Last Saturday it was used to launch a Vampire by gluing a hook on the field without any preparation. Overall I'm peace with the concept of dolly launch.

   https://youtu.be/PZT4-PmvabI

[deltawing]

Two more videos, one is launching and the other one is low pass.


https://youtu.be/HyBtu4mcZ_s

https://youtu.be/R_-SSybjyg8

[Oscar]

Cool