Glider release hook

[Tarek Hassoune]

Hey guys anybody knows where a release hook should be installed on a glider

[turkana]

In the tip of the nose.

[PaulG-rc]

Yes at the nose tip if its being pulled by plane or under the belly foward of the wing if its a catapult or winch system.

[David Janashvili]

Hey guys anybody knows where a release hook should be installed on a glider

Hi tarek,
On CG of the Glider!!!

[Mick]

For aero-towing the nose works best. It needs to be a servo operated release mechanism: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13365

[Tarek Hassoune]

Thanks guys. Mick I have the same hook you showed me, what is the way to install should I drill a hole in the noise tip and epoxy it in or you have an other technique

[Mick]

You have it, drill a big hole, fix up the servo and apply lots of epoxy. Check it all works, with no binding, before it sets.

I can feel summer coming on already. How many more glider and tug pilots are out there?

[turkana]

Tug here! 111111111111111111

[Mick]

Any photos yet Peter?

[turkana]

Hi Mick . I will post Fotos but you know how the plane looks its the Piper Pawnee the same one you have with electric motor as far as I can recall? Mine has a Saito 82 wich will deliver sufficient tugging force with a 14x6 Prop. I am just checking everything on it. Dont trust anybody when I buy used. The valves were complettly off etc.
Now the big question, can somebody tell me were would the best place be to install the release?? The pawnee has steelcables at the back holding the rudder. I read in most forums that one can install the release in the middle on top of the plane and it would just intervere a little bit with the rudder no big deal. I tried finding pics of how people installed the release on the pawnee but cannot find any. Any suggestions??????

Reagrds Pete

[Mick]

Yes I have one with a 46 size electric motor. The text-book location on that size of aircraft is about 100mm behind the CofG so the pull of the line passes through the CoG. However that is impossible, given the layout.

Therefore the next best location for a release is where the red beacon is on top of the canopy but there is no structure there. You could remove the canopy and build some structure underneath the rear of the canopy so that the release is hidden within in the canopy but behind the seat. That would be much better than putting it further aft. The issue with the release on the tail of the tug is that if the glider is above or below the tug then it pulls the tail up or down, not good for control of the tug. On full size glider towing then this can be avoided by the glider pilot maintaining correct station behind the tug. On models (without FPV, now there's an idea) it is impossible to judge relative altitude that well.

Don't worry about the tail getting in the way of the low line, as typically the glider will be well above the tug during the climb. The only issue to watch out for is to make sure the line does not get caught in the rudder or elevator gaps on the balance surfaces during line up for take-off. Once the line is under tension, all should be OK and the glider will lift off before the tug.

The take-off drill is for the tug to stay on or just above the runway under full power for a few seconds to accelerate, meanwhile the glider is flying. This ensures the drag of the glider does not stall the tug. A straight climb to at least 50m is a good idea before the first turn, gets both pilots settled and gives some altitude if it all goes wrong in the turn.

[turkana]

Here some pics.

[turkana]

I know that people are using it successfull as a Tug so it musst be possible, I will try to find some info on that. There are some sweet mods to avoid the cable getting in the way of the rudder, one just has to put some wireguides on the tail and elevator. Anyway whoever finds info of were to put the release on a Pawnee post it.

Reagrds Pete

[Mick]

Peter, I found this thread:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=802848

Looking closely at the pictures on page 2 the release is just where the canopy hits the aft deck. It looks like you can get to this area very easily from underneath. If you remove the covering directly under this area, you get access to strengthen the top deck and install the release and servo. That way you don't have to remove the canopy or spoil the looks on the top. Once it is all together and working it is a simple job to close the hole on the underside with some Ultracote.

Might have a go at this mod on mine. Not sure the E-Flite 46 would provide enough grunt for a big glider but towing up a small lightweight one should be fine.

[turkana]

Thanks Mick. We should do a Joint venture. You tow the lightweights and I the heavys for a small fee :). Maybe that will make glider more popular. But it would be real great fun. I want to fly the Pawnee for couple of flights and see if all works bevor proceeding.

Reagrds Pete

[Tarek Hassoune]

Hey Guys this is my Glider its almost ready to fly I had to add 340grs at the tip of the nose to balance the CG is that normal. My release hook works perfectly some little touch-ups and it can be airborne. So are you ready Tug pilot?

[Mick]

Yes, most gliders need lead or a big battery in the nose.

[turkana]

No not really ready. I am still working on the Pawnee. Just checked out the engine and tuned it. What a sweet engine the Saito is, make OS look a bit dull..
I will have to fly the Pawnee first and go from there.

Reagrds Pete