The HG community used (has used) pay-out winches for a number of years. At
least one major auto maker produced a limited production launch vehicle
pick-up truck as advertised on national TV. Others were retro-fits or home
grown. The current generation of US UL gliders, Sparrowhawk and Lighthawk,
could probably use these as supplied. The Apis and Silent might need
something a bit more stout.

Frank Whiteley


"Gary Boggs" wrote in message
...
I really appreciate all this good input, thank you all for responding.
Now
for a new twist, one of our members has built a "pay out winch". A pay
out
winch is a drum with a break on it. The glider hooks up about 200' behind
the tow vehicle, and as the glider climbs, the line spools out. Does
anybody have any experience with this type of launch? How much runway do
you need for this type of launch, how high can you get, ect?

Boggs

"Stefan" wrote in message
...
Bob Johnson wrote:

Your ability to get 600 m releases with a winch on a 1200 m strip seems
extraordinary.

It all depends on the wind. With zero wind, the rule of thumb is that
you get approximately 1/3 the cable lengh. More with headwind, much more
with strong headwind. With extraordirarily strong headwind, you can even
kite. (Yes, it has been done.)

Stefan