After a few painful hand launches of my Raptor 140, I decided there had to be a better way to reliably and consistently get my large and slightly heavy airplane in the air. I built a bungee launcher and installed launch hooks in the 140a and 140b, and tested it out!
It launched perfectly, just enough kick to get the airplane in the air. It will prove to be a much more reliable and predictable mechanism for launching, only added about 30 grams to the airplane, and only takes about 60 seconds to set up. Plus, it is so much fun to use, feels like I'm about to launch it into space or something.
Next week I'll attempt to fly a marathon - 42km (26mi)!
See you next week!
-Trent
Set Up Info:
Raptor 140b Stats:
Weight: 1780g
Max Flight Time: 80min
Max Range: 75km
Stall Speed: 30kph
Cruise Speed: 95kph
Max Speed: 135kph
Radio Range: 1.5km
The equipment used---
Raptor 140 airplane: http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/raptor-140-kit.htm
Radio Tx: ParkeFlyer Turnigy 9x Tx: http://parkeflyer.com/
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Laptop:
Autopilot: APM2.6 https://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-6-kit-1
Reciever: 6ch FlySky http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-r6b-receiver.html
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Battery: (2) 5.0Ah 20C Turnigy Lipo: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9184__turnigy_5000mah_3s_20c_lipo_pack.html
ESC: 60A Brushless http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32820__TURNIGY_Plush_60amp_Speed_Controller_USA_Warehouse_.html
Motor: 3542 1450kv brushless http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38700
Prop: 10x7 Carbon Fiber Folding http://www.hobby-lobby.com/10x7_carbon_fiber_cam_blade_798_prd1.htm
Servos: 11g digital http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=42620
Onboard camera: http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-V2-Lens-D-808-Key-Chain-Video-Camera-/380627482427?#ht_5755wt_1149
Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor140.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/
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Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA
Comments
Cala: Yes, it could easily launch a Skywalker!
John: I agree, very simple... less to break!
You know why bother with building a crummy pvc launcher if this works its so much easier.
So easy to launch??, Do you think a Skywalker can take off like this??, interesting, Thank for the videos :)
All: I made a video on how to build the bungee launcher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUxSE8ogK_s
Gary: Sorry if the video was misleading, the 140a you saw didn't have an esc, and the connectors you saw on the 140b were the XT60's connected to the current sensor. The ESC has great exposure/cooling, while also being sealed by tape.
Quadzimodo: Very true, I could be seen as insane! : )
Antonio: Thank you! Its so much fun... 1: I'm not using auto take off, using manual. 2: Wind was about 4mph, yesterday I flew it and used the bungee launcher in 16mph constant to 33mph gusts and it performed perfectly. Video coming Saturday (Episode 136). 140's are in stock now, just a slight delay on delivery, usually 1-2 days, right now at a 7 days as I respond to demand. I've never flown an X8, but I can tell you the 140 can easily carry 2kg+ and is, at least for me, the best airframe I've ever flown. Its extremely durable (I drove a car over the 140a's wings and flew it right away!)
Hi Trent. I like your enthusiasm ! A couple of questions: 1- Are you using autotake off ? 2- What was wind conditions ? I am not comfortable with my X8 wing and your Raptor 140 is getting my attention, when will be in stock again?
Trent - love your work, always informative and entertaining.
Looking at the video again, is your speed controller under the covering material?? If it is head will be an issue. I could not tell from the real facing camera shot.
Swift: Yeah, I'm just happy I have good car insurance. I wonder if it covers RC aircraft impacts? :)
Joakim: Yes! I'll do that this week.
Would you be kind and make a video how you made the plane side mechanism? : )
@Doug: Ha ha! I died laughing while reading this! You know what is really funny, this whole thing is actually 95% accurate. I actually got very stuck out in the field. Took me a good 15 minutes and multiple attempts to get out, and I was late to work, and I did show them the video and they thought I was crazy.
Last funny thing: I went to the field and did it again the next morning. : )
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