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  #46  
Old November 2nd 06, 11:22 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Mike Schumann
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Posts: 539
Default Winch Launch Extreme 5200 ft

You can't just control for constant force. You also need to limit the
maximum winch speed to address this exact issue.

Mike Schumann

"alex8735" wrote in message
oups.com...
I personally don't think that a constant force regulation results in an
ideal winch tows. I have observed a number of tows in which the glider
was initially accelerated to quickly so that the pilot reacted by
maintaining a low climb angle. This low angle results in lower force
measured by the winch and leads to a further increase of power. In a
Ka8 nearing Vne the only possible action is to abort the tow.

At our airfield we use a system which transmits the airspeed of the
glider to the winch operator. Pared with a good winch operator and a
powerful winch, this results in very good winch tows.