11x8? on a .46 la? that way to much prop, i would go 11x5 (or 11x6 wood)
as for hand launching it can be hard and takes some practice (depending on the plane) . i have a spad hor that i have had problems hand launching, it drops right wing until it has the speed to fly (until i put my ailerons at 60 degree throws), its way over powered (gms .32, most people run a magnum .15) and since it doesnt have rudder thats half my problem.

on the other hand i hand launch electrics that are no problem, it seems to depend on the plane. personally i like takeing off from the ground.
could you hand launch the uproar, i dont see why not, landing wouldnt be a issue, just make sure that the prop is parallel to the ground, and kill the engine once your 10 ft off the ground. you may need to reinforce the landing area, maybe not. it depends on the plane