3/26/2017 - Got a launch on my Arcie II today. Used a D12-3.
Despite having this boost glider for years, I have had only one launch with it. So, I have a "learning curve" to develop.
LAUNCH - I was surprised how well this thing tracks 'straight up' despite the offset glider. I was dealing with a 10 mph wind (I think). I oriented the boost glider such that the launch rod was roughly straight up; the 'belly' of the glider was facing the wind. After liftoff, the boost glider tracked into the wind slightly, but no more than your average rocket.
FLIGHT - Once the motor cut off, the boost glider arced over, such that the aircraft was 'right-side up'. The glider stayed attached until ejection. And then things got lively......
I had waaaaaaaayyyyyy too much aileron movement. I need to reduce my aileron throw to about 25% of what I have right now. I will let you know how those numbers come out.
I don't recall using hardly any elevator control. Hmmm.
So, the problem with my flight was that I was rolling upside down and struggling to orient the model, which meant I lost a lot of my glide time. However, I was able to get the model 'righted' at about halfway down, and I made a decent landing.
The problem I ran into was tracking the boost pod. I was so focused on the glider, I did not check the boost pod's decent. But I got lucky, and guess-timated right; found the boost pod about 50 yards from my launch pad.
THE DEBATE: Which Direction To Launch?
Launching into the wind allowed the boost pod to land relatively close to me. (Yeah!) But that meant that I am initially gliding with a tailwind, since I need to bring the model BACK TO ME.
If I had launched DOWNWIND, I would have turned the glider INTO the wind, giving a slower glide (and giving me time to react to the glider). But the boost pod would likely have landed farther away.
I have come to the conclusion that you really need a second set of eyes to watch the boost pod, while you concentrate on the glider. If that is available....
Well, one point does not make a curve; more launches are needed for further analysis. :wink: