Zephyr Launcher - Will it work?

[Scotttu]

I've got a DIY written up on this, needs a bit of tinkering to loosen up the wheel's just a tad, but it does roll nicely at the touch of a finger tip.

The idea is that since duct tape has grip (Cannot take off pavement anymore with EZStar!) - it'll hold it on the plane until the plane has the airspeed to just lift off, and the wheels will do whatever....

Need input before I do this.

It was inspired by the gentleman that crashed his Zephyr on launch due to a bad elbow, and the fact that myself included, Zephyr's are a confidence taker at launch

[Crash]

Don't want to rain on your parade but I've never needed a launcher, even with a bad throw. Just hold it by the nose around camera box (thumb on bottom, other 4 fingers on top), point the nose straight to the sky, full throttle, and gentle toss upwards. After 20-30ft push the nose over and off you go. Works every single time

[Scotttu]

I know but some people cannot do that...

How do you get your hands out of the way, that's what scares the crap out of me!

[Crash]

It's never been an issue, I mean the plane practically want to fly out of your hands anyways. Just guide it upwards and release, no throwing necessary. Worrying about not moving fast enough to clear the prop has never crossed my mind when launching. Its really a non issue that people love to get bent over. I had SEVERAL bad throws until I started throwing like this and have yet to have anything go wrong. Consistent, predictable launches, every single time.

[Crash]

It's pretty much like this, but with much less "throw", and not throwing over your head. I'll try to get some video up this week next time I fly showing my technique


View this video on YouTube

[Pooch]

I think you should bolt that whole rig on.

[Scotttu]

I think I can do mine but I wanted to build th is just in case. I can't always have Dave there.

The real reason tho is that there are a few p eople that are afraid of it, or crash on throwing.

We have one guy with a minor disability and he's discouraged because he threw it into the ground.

So for $8 worth of PVC I think it was worth it

[Scotttu]

I think you should bolt that whole rig on.

I would just add retracts if I was going to do that!

[Hmfpa]

If you're scared about your hand hitting the prop, you can grab the wing on the leading edge farther away from the center. It's harder on the wrist, but there's no danger that way. Besides, most Zephyrs have around a 1:1

[theNEWT]

Interesting idea. Another way to possibly slow the take off might be to increase the launch angle slightly. Another design might be 2 pipes angled slightly upwards and in a V shape, so there is room if the thing doesnt launch cleanly to miss the prop.