I have always used an APC 8 x 8 for launching it myself. A 9 x 7 gives easier hand launching than an 8x8, so you'll have plenty in hand
...you gotta ignore your instincts when you just throw it upwards with an underarm lob! For the record with an 8 x 8 its pulling 21,000 on the ground, running on Prosynth 10%.
Happy landings!
W