Ground launches and weak links

On Monday, December 3, 2012 5:12:22 PM UTC-7, Dave Springford wrote:
The Canadian Air Cadet manual for winch and auto launch of 2-33's specifies the weak link should be 2 x max gross weight and this gives 2080 lbs.



We recently winch launched a 2-33 at a neighbouring club and used a 1925 lb rope for the weak link.



For a 1-26, I would use the same (2x) rule of thumb.



With the weak link at this level, you can not put more than 2g on the airframe.

I feel a cold knot forming in my gut. A 1925 Lb-F weak link can put far more than 2G on the airframe. PLEASE read some winch launch guidance.