Discus Launch Glider

A Discus launch glider takes all the work out of hand launching a sailplane!

Great Planes Fling
(Popular Entry Level DLG)

Traditionally hand launched gliders (HDL’s) have been launched by means of a physically demanding over-arm javelin style throw. So the stronger more physically fit modelers always have the advantage of higher launches. So when it comes to competitions, your physical condition can be just as important as your flying skills!

Let’s face it, many of use folks that enjoy hand launching our gliders are not exactly physically fit and some of us are getting up in age. Even if we do manage to get the model into a thermal, we often end up paying for it over the next couple of days with sore muscles and stiff backs!

A discus launch glider can be launched much higher with much less energy exertion. More emphasis is placed on form rather than strength when launching a DLG. Rather than being thrown over-arm, a DLG is launched by creating angular momentum by spinning the model around in a large circle. This angular momentum is transferred into kinetic energy when you let go of the wing, much like a track and field discus is thrown.

What Distinguishes a DLG from other Hand Launched Gliders?

Gliders built for thermal soaring are of very light construction. In fact, they have to be built so light that they can literally float a top a rising column of air. The structures of original HLG’s were built to withstand the normal forces of flight. But they were not designed for the tremendous side loads exerted on the wing during a discus launch.

This is why you won’t see too many DLG’s constructed from built up balsa and spruce like you see with conventional HLG’s. Most discus launched gliders are constructed from either some type of foam of fiber material.

The booms of DLG are generally a little beefier to keep them from flexing during launch. Through testing and experimenting, other subtle changes have been incorporated into the designs of discus launch gliders to help them track nice and straight when launched discus style.

Great Planes Fling - Popular Entry Level DLG

High end discus launch gliders designed for competition can cost several hundred dollars or more. Competitors are willing to spend the extra cash to gain every advantage possible over the competition. The average modeler doesn't need to speed a small fortune on a decent DLG.

The Great Planes Fling has introduced a many of pilots to the world of DLG. What makes it so popular is that it's a quality Great Planes product at a very modest price that won't put the average modeler in the poor house. Another selling point is that it only takes around 2-3 hours to get the Great Planes Fling assembled and ready to fly.

Its fiberglass and carbon-fiber construction keep this glider very light making it easier to find and ride those thermals.

The Fling has both aileron and rudder control, in addition to elevator of course. The rudder and elevator surfaces are controlled by a lightweight and easy to install pull-pull control system.

This Fling comes with a carbon fiber throwing peg which can be installed on either wing. Very accommodating for the "south-paws" among us.

The video at the top of the page along with the image below illustrate just how easy it is to hand launch the Fling. Just wrap your fingers around the throwing peg and spin around and launch it like a discus. Its sturdy long tail and rigid wing will allow it to soar to heights of 100 feet or more! If you're looking for your first DLG, I highly recommend the Great Planes Fling !