On Apr 7, 6:55 am, "Kilo Charlie" wrote:
Has anyone done calculations for takeoff distances for various density
altitudes, weights and winds for their sailplane-towplane combination?
Every powered plane POH has a table but there are none in the glider books
for obvious reasons (HP of towplane for one).

The Arizona Soaring Assn flies out of some high (6600') and short (3900')
runways (not concurrently) and in our typical conditions would like to fly
with ballast but are revisting the idea that we should limit weights after
some long takeoff rolls and/or slow climbs. We usually do not have good
bail out options at most of our fields for rope breaks as an added issue.

Casey Lenox
Phoenix
KC

I don't have any data, but you might consider collecting your own data
using GPS data loggers. I am sure other clubs would be interested in
the data. A ballasted single is going to weight about what a 2-place
does, so if you can tow a 2-place you can (probably) tow a single,
especially considering the (usually) better aerodynamics of the
single.

It would be interesting in comparing actual data to extrapolated
estimates using POH data.

Tom