If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Ground launch payout winch systems...Are they suitable forgliders?
On Sep 22, 11:53*pm, Pete Brown wrote:
Gents: I have assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that a payout winch *would have an advantage. If I have 2000 ft of cable on a spool and a 6,000 ft runway, the car with a payout winch use almost all of the *6,000ft runway length. Were we to do a regular auto tow, the car *could only use 4,000ft of the runway to lift the glider. A reverse pulley would also give us the full 6,000 ft but, in our case, we can't use it because of runway management issues, not aerodynamics. Pete Your airport designator? Frank Whiteley |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
Ground launch payout winch systems...Are they suitable forgliders?
We've done thousands of payout winch launches at our airport, 4S2.
Even in no wind, we never have to drive over about 65mph. Fortunately though, the wind is always blowing here in the wind capitol of the world, Hood River, Oregon. Our winch works very well and has several safety advantages over a conventional winch. Airport management continues to be our biggest problem. Feel free to call me with any questions. My phone numbers are on my web site, along with some links to videos of our winch in action on YouTube. www.nwskysports.com |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
Ground launch payout winch systems...Are they suitable for gliders?
GARY BOGGS wrote: We've done thousands of payout winch launches at our airport, 4S2. Even in no wind, we never have to drive over about 65mph. Fortunately though, the wind is always blowing here in the wind capitol of the world, Hood River, Oregon. Our winch works very well and has several safety advantages over a conventional winch. Airport management continues to be our biggest problem. Feel free to call me with any questions. My phone numbers are on my web site, along with some links to videos of our winch in action on YouTube. www.nwskysports.com Stunning. How much cable is let out before starting the launch ? How far does the tow car travel ? What height does the glider reach ? How much height is gained with the tow car stopped ? Gilbert UK |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
Ground launch payout winch systems...Are they suitable for gliders?
On Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:06:19 PM UTC-8, wrote:
It seems that a payout winch similar to those used for hang gliders might be useful as a more efficient alternative to auto tows. You can make better use of the runway length and have perhaps a safer launch with proper calibration. Is anyone using such systems? Are they practical? Are they in fact better than a straight auto tow? I've done payout winch tows on Gary's system. Start out with 100 ft at the glider. vs 1,500 or 2,000 ft on a straight auto tow. Once the tension is set at the truck the pilot does not worry about over-stressing the line. When you pitch up the line is payed out, hit headwind or lift the line is payed out more. (vice versa if you hit sink or tailwind) After the climb is established the truck drivers slows down and the glider can pitch up more for speed/climb. 900 foot pattern tows from a 3,000 ft taxiway. As compared to the same on a 5,000 ft run w 1,500 foot recently at Ephrata WA There is no cable to drop as it is rewound on the payout drum. I think http://www.romansdesign.com/ has a project on this, although I have not heard anything in awhile. |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Collision Avoidance Systems for gliders | noel56z | Soaring | 21 | March 15th 07 01:45 AM |
Winch Launch Stresses on Vintage Gliders | Mike Schumann | Soaring | 31 | January 30th 06 09:29 PM |
LIppmann reports a 950 meter winch launch with their Dynatec winch line - anything higher? | Bill Daniels | Soaring | 20 | December 27th 04 12:33 AM |
Anti collision systems for gliders | Simon Waddell | Soaring | 2 | September 21st 04 08:52 AM |
Winch launch | M B | Soaring | 0 | October 30th 03 07:33 PM |