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Standing on a grassy hillside, two groups of people pull heavy elastic cords attached to the nose of an SG 38 Schulgleiter while the lightweight glider is held in position. Once enough tension has been stored, the aircraft is released and rapidly accelerates forward into the air.
The technique is known as a bungee, rubber cord, or Gummiseil launch. Stretching the elastic cords stores potential energy, and when released, that energy is converted into forward motion. As the glider reaches sufficient airspeed, its wings generate enough lift for takeoff and the launch cord drops away.
Bungee launching was especially suited to lightweight primary gliders used during the early development of soaring. It allowed pilots to practice unpowered flight from suitable slopes without requiring a towplane or powered launching system, using little more than a ground crew, elastic rope, and favorable terrain.
2026-08-26 02:59