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Old 10-07-2020, 07:43 PM
fulldec fulldec is offline
NASA Ret.
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 63
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Quote:
Originally Posted by georgegassaway
FWIW - I invented the Apogee Universal Pod Hook, around 1993 when Ed LaCroix owned it, for the Maxima Boost Glider kits.

I recalled at NARAM in 1992, when an A Div flier had a Shecter glider kit, using telescoping brass tubing for hooks, which jammed both flights and Red Baroned (pod stayed on). I wanted to come up with some hook design for the Apogee kit that would not need any assembly, that would work consistently. So consistently, that any glider could use any pod.

I originally had a twin hook design that had two totally different hook pairs. One had two hooks sticking out, and one had two slots. It worked, but it occurred to me later to make them universal, just one master part with both a hook and a slot.
And I designed them so it was practical to cast them using RTV molds and fast-curing casting resin.



I flew the telescoping brass tubing hooks for many years, I still have a few, and still fly them once in a while. They are very lightweight. I never had a single Red Baron, never. I have always been amazed that it has worked every time! They look like they should hang up. They are particularly good at holding the pod and glider together on the pad on a windy day.

I am not saying they are better than than other systems, like George's L hooks, just testifying that I've had great "luck" with them.

Don
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Don
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