tow hook
10-25-2002, 09:40 PM
#2
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tow hook
The best tow hook position will vary a little from plane to plane even of the same design because the CG and trim varies from pilot to pilot. Planes with polyhedral and or a deep fuselage require the tow hook to be more forward than flat winged slim fuselage sailplanes.
Start with the tow hook about 3/4 of an inch ahead of the center of gravity. This won't give a very steep launch but it will be safe and will allow you to do short test flights to fine tune the CG and trim the plane for a flat glide.
Move the tow hook back about 1/8 of an inch and launch with a couple of clicks of down trim. On each subsequent launch take out one click of down trim until you are launching two clicks of up trim from normal. Always restore normal elevator trim when comming off the line. Continue moving the hook back 1/8 inch and testing for veering with the elevator trim sequence. If at any point the plane starts to veer on launch, go back to the previous launch setup. You have found the best tow hook location.
Start with the tow hook about 3/4 of an inch ahead of the center of gravity. This won't give a very steep launch but it will be safe and will allow you to do short test flights to fine tune the CG and trim the plane for a flat glide.
Move the tow hook back about 1/8 of an inch and launch with a couple of clicks of down trim. On each subsequent launch take out one click of down trim until you are launching two clicks of up trim from normal. Always restore normal elevator trim when comming off the line. Continue moving the hook back 1/8 inch and testing for veering with the elevator trim sequence. If at any point the plane starts to veer on launch, go back to the previous launch setup. You have found the best tow hook location.
10-26-2002, 06:53 PM
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Re: tow hook
Originally posted by alex
where should a tow hook be positioned for bungee launch?
where should a tow hook be positioned for bungee launch?
If you mean a standard hi-start; then it should be about 15 degrees forward of the CG point. This will give a very comfortable launch. If you want to do a contest launch, the hook will be very near or on the CG. Not recommended for beginners!
