On Oct 16, 8:40*am, ContestID67 wrote:
*Someone check my math.

For constant acceleration the average speed for a run that starts with
zero speed is half the end speed. The Escalade does 0-60 in under 10
seconds I think. Assume 10 seconds and add 25% for the extra mass of
the glider and that gives a ballpark zero to 60 mph distance of
88*12.5/2 ft = 550ft. That leaves enough room to get down and
stopped. However, if the goal really was a turn back, I'd assume the
intention would have been to be at winch limit speed with as much
altitude as possible. Guessing winch redline at 90mph that would use
up about 825ft. Still enough to get down and stopped but not a
situation where I'd be tempted to try a turn back.

However, If the run reached winch redline at the point where the tow
truck had to start maximum braking to stop before the end, then the
runway available for a turn back looks much better. At winch redline,
and with say 100ft of altitude, the available energy is looking
comparable to an aerotow rope break at 200ft. (Ballpark you have half
the potential energy but over 2 times the kinetic energy). Someone
knowing the winch redline and the normal aerotow speed could run the
numbers.

Not saying I'd want to try a turn back under those conditions but the
idea may not be as stupid as some are suggesting.

Andy