After having some difficulty launching the heavier Raptor140B+ (carries three 5Ah batteries) I decided to invest the time into building a cross bow launcher.
It has a few key features that make it an excellent launch platform:
-Totally retains the airplane in all directions (gust of wind won’t knock it off the the launcher)
-Trigger mechanism to quickly release the airplane
-Provides distance between the prop and the pilot
-Quick to use
-Easy to use (set it up, aim it, pull the trigger)
-100% repeatable
Tested it on the Raptor140A (now a glider) and it worked perfectly! After a dozen tests, I put the Raptor140B on it… Victory! The exit speed of the Raptor140B was 90kph/56mph, a perfect speed for climbing.
This will add a lot of safety and repeatability for launching these heavier flying wings.
See you next week!
-Trent