The Green Machine
Dennis says this remote controlled vehicle can hit 30 mph.
Ever the inventor, Dennis Castleman is working on a speedy launching vehicle for one of his big gliders.
Conventional launching solutions include bungie cords, airplanes with cradles for gliders, launching ramps, towing planes and high cliffs.
Dennis’ solution is based on a remote-control toy he spotted at Fry’s, a model off-road vehicle that claims a top speed of 30 mph.
He chopped the top off and added right-angle brackets with padding to cradle his giant airplane.
Dennis’ big glider perches on its launching vehicle.
It looks pretty bouncy, which might be an issue, but Dennis might have some thoughts on how to secure the glider until the launcher achieves sufficient ground speed.
To test it, he’ll need a driver controlling the car’s transmitter while Dennis flies the glider.
When he gets it together, it’ll be worth a video.
Tags: Baylands, Flying, People.
Wheel base is too short (for Baylands grass) and probably have problem launching the plane since it is a pusher. It would be fine for a tractor type airplane. 30 mph is not fast enough to get the airplane airborne to clear the launcher before power up the motor. I like the idea of the big wheel though, I might have to investigate the possibility.
What he will need is two pegs in front of the wing to keep plane from fly pass the dolly. Turn on the motor to help propel the dolly and plane up to flying speed, then briefly turn off the motor and let the plane rise off the dolly. And power up to climb.
Brian
Good point, Brian. But if you peg the dolly, it’s not entirely clear why you can’t just use an unpowered unit and run up using the plane’s power.
Dave,
The problem still the plane is a pusher, the prop has to clear the dolly. Unless there is enough speed for the plane to leave the dolly about 60 deg. so the prop can clear the stand. I have a tractor sailplane, i.e. prop at the nose, so I can turn on the motor and go, the prop has nothing in front of it to hit, except the poor soul standing in the way! The pegs keep the dolly under the plane until the plane lifted off.
Brian