Self Launch Systems

Belt drivern SLS
(1/8 - 1/2 scale)

Scale Glider Self Launch Systems (SLS)

Scale glider self launch systems (SLS) are a jewel of engineering, many hours have been put behind these designs to have them work flawless and safely. We are very proud to be able to offer this line of very high quality products. 

We offer three different types of SLS, all have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice is a matter of personal taste and scale look. We offer all these unit installed and tested in our airplanes, so they will work flawlessly:

The first are belt driven props, giving a gear reduction and motor remains in fuselage, this is scale from full size and the main advantage is that there is almost no CG change between in and out configuration. Reliability of operation is flawless with our dedicated sequencing unit. Requires some maintenance due to the belt drive system. Available in a variety of size from 1/8 scale to 1/2 scale application.

The second is direct drive with the motor on top of the arm, this is also scale as the new Antares uses similar setup, but in a scale model the weight of the unit is quite higher then in full size, and even if the unit is simpler in design and operation, it disadvantage remain in the great CG change between open and close position. This unit will move about 1 pound back and forth by about 10 inches. Reliability of operation is flawless with our dedicated sequencing unit. Available in 22" prop unit for 1/3 scale.

The third unit is sort a combination of the two first. It is a direct drive unit but with a short folding arm and folding blades, which shorten the weight movement and the folding blades removes the need to control the prop stopping. It comes in 4 or 5 blades configuration like full size. Available for 1/4 scale application.

Last but not least is the turbine sls, this is for the demanding modeler that want a show off model. The AFTJet mechanism can be fitted with turbines from 60-160N.

Belt Driven SLS

These systems comes in a variety of sizes to suit gliders from about 1/8 scale up to almost 1:2.5 scale. Constructed out of CNC machined and/or molded fiberglass or carbon laminate and using top quality hardware, these units are strong and reliable. The prop shaft is mounted onto a reverse locking needle bearing to allow the prop to free wheel back to get into vertical position. The mechanism is actuated by a special industrial 180 degree travel metal gear servo, giving powerful and smooth operating.

As of today, all models equipped with these SLS could start from the ground without any additional help (8" system from hard surface only). From the little Duo Discus (2.5 m span and weighing 2 kg) on 10 cells, that makes 6-7 climbs after a ground take off, up to the 15.5 kg heavy Duo Discus (5.3 m) span on 35 cells with the 16" unit, that makes 3 climbs after the ground take off. The larger 21/22" units will provide over 12 kg of thrust allowing to power the largest glider without any problem within the acceptable limits.

Belt driven SLS Technical Data

SLS Pricelist

Picture samples of the available units

World smallest carbon sls ever made, 5" unit	9" unit,see these video's from the Ventus 2cM of 3m wingsapn: video1    video2	18" unit
8" unit	12.5" unit	26" unit, world largest unit ever made

Sample videos of belt driven SLS gliders:

DG-600M, 4.0-4.8m	Ventus 2cM, 6m	Nimbus 4DM, 3.3m

Scale gliders that can be offered with these units installed:

Direct Drive SLS

This unit is designed around a brushless outrunner, comes with an aluminum base frame and a molded scale arm. Weight with motor is around 1300g. Unit will power airplanes up to 20kg and will handle 8S to 10S LiPo packs. The unit operates in similar way to the belt driven system, so most control functionality are the same. Unit comes preassembled and wired, with a special 180deg high torque servo and 22" Carbon prop. Unit has also a closed position locking device.

Price for Direct Drive 22" SLS, complete with special actuating servo, carbon prop and motor: approx. 2369.00U$

SLS maiden flight video:

Scale gliders that can be offered with this unit installed:

Folding Prop SLS

This unit is designed around a brushless outrunner, comes with a molded base frame and a metal folding arm. Weight with motor is around 800g. Unit will power airplanes up to 10kg and will handle 5S to 6S LiPo packs. The unit operates in similar way to the belt driven system, so most control functionality are the same. Unit comes preassembled and wired, with a special high torque servo and a 4 or 5 blade folding prop. Unit has also a closed position locking device.

Fold Prop SLS price of mechanism only: inquire

Video of ASH-25Mi	click to enlarge	Modus operandi video

Scale glider that can be offered with this unit installed:

AFT type SLS

These units are the most ingenious units on the market currently, they combine the best world of each units described to date. The motor is configured as direct drive on top of pylon, and to reduce the cut-out on the fuselage, the system is single blade prop (which is also the most efficient prop configuration). Now the arm is attached to a complex geometry rail system that swings the arm in and out, through a tiny hole (the video explains this easily). All is controlled by a sequencing unit for flawless operation. Two prop sizes with different power setups are available. These units can be installed in most of our 1/3 and 1/2 scale gliders.

AFT units:
		Video

SLS sequencing unit

This smart electronic device is like your third hand in SLS operation. It will allow full operation of any of our SLS units by means of a single toggle switch on your transmitter.

What can the unit do:

·        Control of up to 5 servos:
    - Arm actuating servo
    - Right door servo
    - Left Door servo
    - Motor (esc)
    - Tow release servo

·        Fully automatic unfolding and folding of SLS arm with a three position toggle switch on transmitter, inclusive control of motor esc (motor on, motor off)

·        Slow scale operation of SLS arm.

·        Gear safe power up and brake of motor.

·        Control of optic prop sensor, before closing SLS, SLS will only fold back when prop is fully and safely stopped at right position.

·        Additional evaluation of two limit switches, to avoid a false startup of motor in any case (for ex. If a servo fails).

·        User programmable servo travel and direction, which are automatically and permanently stored in EPROM.

·        At first motor startup, esc will throttle up to pre-determined level and after 6 seconds will go full throttle. This to avoid nose tipping of model at startup ground rolling and so have a smooth progressive start.

·        Possibility to let the doors open or closed during the climb or power on

·        Download operating manual (pdf)

SLS sequencing unit (SM type, fixed throttle curve), price: 229.00U$
specify for fixed prop unit or folding prop.

New!: SLS sequencing unit (Merbold type, with throttle control), price: 289.00U$

Turbine SLS: AFJet

Gliding powered by a turbine, the ultimate flying experience.

For all pilots that like it it h and that want to show off, we offer here the right self launch system.

The AFT mechanism is suited for any turbine from 60 to 160N. The AFT mechanism is suited for the larger scale ships like:
DG303 M 1:2,3; Discus M1:3- 1:2; DG1000 M1:3-1:2; Swift M1:2,5-1:2; Fox M 1:3-1:2 etc.

What you get:
Turbine self launch retractable mechanism, assembled with limit switches and cables. Control sequencing electronic to extend and retract the turbine. Carbon fibre installation frame (mating your model). Cover hinges. V2A clamp to hold Turbine. Fuel shutoff valve.

Recommended gliders with the most use turbines

• DG303 Paritech 6,52m ab AFJet SP 80
• DG1000 Paritech 8,8m  ab AFJet SP120
• Swift (Airworld) 5,6m ab AFJet SP 80
• Kobutz  (Airworld) 5,6m ab AFJet SP 80
• ASK21 (Airworld) 6,8m ab AFJet SP120
• FOX  (Fliegerland) ab AFJet SP120
• Salto M1:2,2 ab AFJet SP 80
• Fox (Paritech) 7.0m, AFTJet SP120

We offer complete installation of AFT Jet units.

AFTJet mechanism complete, price: 1765.00 U$

FanAir SLS

The solution for all glider of >4kg (9lbs)

Alternate solution to the retractable self launch system.
FanAir 200 for gliders from 9 to 17 lbs, and FanAir 300 for gliders from 17 lbs to 30 lbs.

Here the advantages:

• Simple installatuion, on any glider
• two sizes availbale, one for 1/4 to 1/3 with all up weight from 9 to 17 lbs and also 17 to 30 lbs.
• Easy take off from the ground, no need of tow plane, nor winch.
• aerodynamically optimized.
• The conversion to self launch is easy and can be field installed in only a few minutes.
• Do you want your glider as a pure sailplane then removal is made in a few minutes again.
• Also greatly appreciated in Alpine soaring where you may retrieve your model in "dead air" condition.

What you get:

Price, FanAir 300, for models 8-15kg: 639.00 U$, intro price: 599.00U$

Price FanAir 200, for models 4-8kg: 389.00 U$

UP & GO II SLS small

High-performance COMPACT 540 motor and 36x20 cm folding propellers are pre-installed.
For 4m gliders and a takeoff weight of about 6 kg.

• Self-starting glider model can start from the ground with suitable runway
• No longer necessary to make outdoor landings on a hillside
• Small fuselage opening is necessary
• Locked in both end positions
• Safe deployment using worm gear
• Installation at the wing mount
• Adjustable pitch angle
• Required rpm controller order no. 7236
• Required drive battery order no. 7663.4
• LiPo battery with 4 cells necessary
• Dimensions about (LxWxH) 260x80x110 mm

Specification

Overall length, approx. : 260 mm
All-up weight, approx. : 800 g

Instruction

"up and go II" Folding motor, small, Order No. 6097, price: 1399.00 U$

UP & GO II SLS large

High-performance COMPACT 655 motor and 45x25 cm folding propellers are pre-installed.
For gtliders with a wingspan of about 6 m and a takeoff weight of about 11 kg (25lbs).

• Self-starting glider model can start from the ground with suitable runway
• No longer necessary to make outdoor landings on a hillside
• Small fuselage opening is necessary
• Locked in both end positions
• Safe deployment using worm gear
• Installation at the wing mount
• Adjustable pitch angle
• Required rpm controller order no. 7228
• Required drive battery order no. 7663.3 (2 pcs.)
• LiPo battery with 6 cells necessary
• Dimensions about (LxWxH) 340x80x130 mm

Instruction

"up and go" Folding motor, big, Order No. 6098, price: 1599.00 U$

Molded Turbine Pod

This kit contains all needed to create a removable turbine pod. Fiberglas moulded pod, ply parts, hardware and instructions.

Molded Turbine pod kit, price: 187.00 U$