Handlaunch sailplanes are smaller sized planes that usually range in weight between 6 and 15 ounces, but really any plane that you feel comfortable throwing into the air could be classified at "handlaunch". These sailplanes can be launched merely by throwing to get altitude, known to the 'sailplane purist' as Hand Launch Gliders or HLG, or by using a towing mechanism from the ground such as a long rubber band known as a hi-start or with an electric winch.
While HLGs can be more difficult to construct due to their typically lighter construction, their ability to teach soaring skills has no equal. HLGs are sometimes entirely built of light balsa, while others can and are built of a composite of carbon fiber, epoxy, and foam. Which is a 'better' for HLG? It depends on the design of the plan form and the correct use of the composite 'technology'.
I've personally owned more than 20 planes that were in the handlaunch category. I didn't know the older ones I built before 1980 were 'handlaunch' at the time (1973-1980), as I had never heard the term until the early 80's. I scratch built most of them using my own airfoil design (I didn't know who Michael Selig was either). I created the airfoils by drawing them by hand on a piece of 1/8" plywood and sanding 'em until they were 'just right'. Some flew better than others, but I didn't ask why, I just flew. I almost never did V-tail designs until much later as there weren't any computer radios out yet and the only way I knew to do a V-Tail to use a 'mixer' to do it. Today, lots of the modern handlaunch designs use V-tails for the tail section. Some of the kits offer either a conventional tail or a V-Tail in the same kit. Personally, I prefer conventional tail configurations, especially with very light planes.
Here's some tidbits to carry around with you when dreaming of flying your HLG:
If you can throw a baseball across your backyard, you can throw a HLG. The secret isn't always how hard you throw
or which direction [this is controversial!] you throw in, rather it is the technique used in the throw. If you throw your HLG the same way
you throw a baseball across the yard you will most likely hurt your arm or elbow after only a few throws. The motion
needed is more like throwing a dart, or even better, a javelin. It is best to keep your arm straight and use your body motion
to add more energy to the throw. I've found that I do better with a quick sprint to add a bit more energy to the plane
rather than 'winding up' for the throw. I've been able to get 50 feet with some throws and as little as 10 with others.
It helps to throw into a bit of wind as well (too much wind is bad, as a HLG just gets thrown around too much).
Myself and others I know have been able to catch a thermal beginning with as little as
eye-level altitude, so don't be discouraged about every throw, just keep practicing.
I've found that, in smaller parks or fields especially, that if the wind suddenly goes dead calm, it is likely that you're in a thermal.
I usually wait a few seconds and start running into where the wind was coming from originally,
fire off the HLG and turn back towards myself (downwind). If there was a thermal, I'll catch it then.
Want to know more about HLGs from other pilots or enthusiasts, click here.
Additionally, there's a newer form of HLGs known as Discus Handlaunch or DLGs. These DLGs are launched akin to throwing a
discus or frisbee. Some of these planes have a pin glued securely near the tip of one of the wings. This pin is where you
hook your fingers around and "whip" the plane into the air with a quick motion. (Is it all in the wrist?)
Click
DLG Techniques for information about construction
techniques and other info written
by Jay Decker.
