>Denny Wrote: > John Roe says he's getting 100 feet!!!! No one has ever measured my throw, so no one... *including myself*... has said how much I'm getting, on this exchange or anywhere else, ever. ************************************************ Here's some good stuff! After carefully verifying the accuracy of two different laser range finders, which are certified by the manufacturer (Bushnell) to be accurate to within +- one meter, or better, we found that accuracy was reliable at ranges from 15 to 200 meters, on large and small stationary and moving targets. I measured the launch heights of apprx. 20 competitors at the recent IHLGF at Poway, both in practice and in competition, in the wind and in relatively calm conditions. I was able to get very precise measurements by standing directly in the path of the throw, then aiming directly overhead at the plane as it was "pushed over" into level flight. The results below are the result of this research, and are provided to for all to enjoy, and might also be considered carefully if you are thinking of getting a new plane, based on where you fly and your athletic ability. Under low-to-no wind conditions launch heights of 60+ feet were common with the stronger javelin-style throwers, with 75 feet+ being acheived by some. There were some pilots who had trouble getting more than 50 or so feet, but they were much in the minority. The side arm plane "Uplink" thrown by it's manufacturer got consistant 75 foot launches. There were no launches below 45 feet by anyone who was trying to throw hard. In the wind, the stronger pilots using the javelin-style throw were able to consistantly launch 75+ feet. There were perhaps 5 or 6 that I verified were launching to 85 feet or more, consistantly. The weakest few pilots that I measured were able to launch 60-65 feet. The same uplink thrown by the same gentleman- side arm style- was reaching 90+ feet, a height that only a few javelin-style pilots could beat.....but there were definitely at least three guys who could launch just as high as the side-arm plane, every time. Look to see some familiar conventionally-launched planes being offered in a side-arm version, as it turns out that no span penalty or much weight penalty is required to make a side-arm plane work. For many people the side arm launch will be higher than they can throw conventionally. The disadvantages of the side-arm launch will still be turn-around time (important only in competition) and directional control, although that could be improved with practice. As far as High-aspect ratio HL planes are concerned, I flew an extreme example of one, the new Spectre VR by DJ aerotec. I found it had very nice handling, a good sink-rate and was a joy to fly in light lift and low-wind conditions. In the wind it was OK, and could get around the sky as well as all but the most advanced planes on the field. However, as Mark Navarre has previously noted, I could not launch it hard, period. In zero or near zero wind, I could still get an "average" launch even with a low-effort throw. In the wind however I was unable to get anything like a typical launch, without fluttering the wings and/or the tail. I do think the plane has potential, and definitely am amazed at the fact that a 5.5 ounce four-servo 60" plane is even possible. Professor John Roe Laguna Hills, Ca www.martialartsacademy.org "Natura non facit saltus" RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
