FpV hobby: Handheld electric wing launcher — 12 bands, no torque roll


This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech

Giz FPV has unveiled their latest marvel, the Drone Slinger V2, a handheld electric wing launcher that promises to save your fingers from the perils of hand launches. With a nifty setup of 12 industrial elastic bands and a computer-controlled winch, this ingenious contraption can launch 600mm+ flying wings without the dreaded torque roll. Essentially, it’s like having a gentle shove rather than a finger-severing catastrophe, which is always a plus for those fond of their digits.

The design isn’t without its trade-offs, mind you. Giz opted for torque over speed, resulting in a somewhat leisurely winch cycle that might test the patience of even the most ardent hobbyist. But let’s be honest—what’s a bit of waiting when you’re avoiding an accidental prop-induced injury? The half-moon pulley is a stroke of genius, ensuring everything engages smoothly while keeping out of the way during launch.

On the practical side, the Drone Slinger V2’s modular frame is built from PLA prints, though Giz recommends a sturdier material for longevity. It probably won’t win any beauty contests, but then again, neither do we after a long day out in the field, do we? Multiple tests have shown clean launches with no torque roll and a repeatable performance, all while keeping your precious fingers well away from peril.

So, if you fancy yourself a flying wing enthusiast who values safety (and possibly still wants to keep all ten fingers), this could be worth a look. Just remember, it’s not the quickest launcher on the block, but it gets the job done—with style, if we’re being generous.

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