50 feet launches into the air with jets and 75 feet high launches with the firebird (with no motors running) is quite sufficient.
There is no need for OVERKILL on the tightness of the rubber.
I launch my F-35 EDF jet and my Firebird Phantom, using my launcher design from the ’70-80’s.
The release mechanism is from the Jetapult however, I have come up with a newer and better design that works great for all RC model planes totally self contained and for wheeled aircraft or not.
Since my unit is completely self contained, it does not have to have the rubber band staked to the ground!
That means the Angle of Attack can be much greater.
These light weight foam jets from Nitroplanes launch beautifly from it.
The launcher can be instantly adjusted to aim into the wind at the time of launch.
My USS Midway experience helped with the design of the hook and catapult system.
So if you live where there is no place to take your airplane off, you can always make one of these and launch it from the roof of your car.
Thanks for watching
Dave
