The K21 will climb well anywhere between 55 and 70 knots on a winch launch. IMHO 65 knots is about the optimum speed if you are using a good powerful winch. Above 70 knots you wind the cable in too quickly to give a good height, and the chance of a weak link failure increases.
Remind me not to fly a glider that you have flown! The maximum winch launch speed is there to avoid mainspar failures. It is most critical near the top of the launch
i fly an ask21, from portsouth
JakeRlds 3 years ago
The K21 will climb well anywhere between 55 and 70 knots on a winch launch. IMHO 65 knots is about the optimum speed if you are using a good powerful winch. Above 70 knots you wind the cable in too quickly to give a good height, and the chance of a weak link failure increases.
cirrusflyboy 4 years ago
the preferred winch speed it 60KTS not 70KTS the max winch speed is 81KTS
hoody2050 4 years ago
theres no max launch. thats just for safety freaks!
lagundafire 3 years ago
Remind me not to fly a glider that you have flown! The maximum winch launch speed is there to avoid mainspar failures. It is most critical near the top of the launch
cirrusflyboy 3 years ago
60kts :) Good low end speed for a k21 winching
hrford 4 years ago
Actually it was a good 70 knots (perfect speed for a K21) for both launches. The speed only dropped to 60 knots after we pulled off.
cirrusflyboy 4 years ago
Yea, but you get more altitude from 60. Just don't stall it :S
hrford 4 years ago