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A completely assembled ready to use sailplane launch
system featuring a high visibility hand
reel, U.V stabilised black
surgical tubing, high visibility yellow nylon line, heavy-duty,
high visibility,
non tangle parachute, and a 9 inch steel stake
with moulded pull-tab for easy use.
Crucial to the performance of the Hangar 9 Sailplane
Launch System (SLS) is the rubber tubing.
Using only the best quality
ultraviolet resistant black latex surgical tubing means the lifespan
of
the rubber is significantly increased over time compared to usual
tan coloured material. After
extensive testing whilst both types
of rubber provide the same energy storage initially, after being
in the sun for a few days the performance of the tan rubber drops
off while the black remains
constant. While normal tan tubing is
typically replaced every two flying seasons the black UV
resistant
can be expected to last longer.
Another advantage of Hangar 9’s G-Force SLS
tubing is that it comes in one continuous piece,
unlike other systems
where two pieces of tubing are tied together. The rubber tubing is
available
in two diameters: medium size 1-4” diameter tubing
for up to two metre span sailplanes and
heavy duty 3-8” diameter
tubing for 100" to unlimited class sailplanes.
Visibility was a key factor in the design of the SLS
so with fluorescent yellow line and a
fluorescent parachute keeping
eye contact with the system both in the air and on the ground is
kept as easy as possible, even the storage reel is bright orange – not
much chance of misplacing
that then!
The reel has a large diameter (5.25”) core so
winding up is quicker, taking more length per
revolution, and with
the handle integral to the inside there is a well balanced feel during
winding.
The G-Force instructions recommend placing the reel at the
launch point so it's only necessary to
pace off the stretch length
once as the reel is then used as a reference. A 10" long steel
stake is
included which features a molded plastic ring for easy removal
in hard ground.
The parachute is made of a heavy-duty rip stop nylon, and the shroud
lines are sewn to the
parachute throughout its length, preventing
the chute from sliding up them. The Dacron 100
pound test line delivers
plenty enough strength along with low wind resistance while the chrome
plated rings are lightweight and corrosion resistant. The whole system
is fully assembled ready
to use out of the box.
Three specifically designed units to meet particular
launch requirements.
50ft of 1-4" tubing. 150 feet nylon line.
For 2 metre sailplanes. Requires a minimum 350 feet launch area
100ft of 1-4" tubing. 300 feet nylon line.
For 2 metre sailplanes. Requires a minimum 700 feet launch area
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