Grapple Launchers

Grapple Launchers

Loading and Firing Sequence

Each unit, 6 balloons with underslung framing, has 3 launchers each of which is serviced by 2 winches, 6 winches per unit. The winches are located in the upper corners of the Top Frames (26'x26'x26'). A launcher normally alternates in the use of its winches.

The launcher is bunge powered. The grapple "flies"; its arms are wing shaped and are bolo weighed; 11 oz grapple (titanium).

The Grapple is released by sending a weight down the line; this releases the casing (the arm housing) which slips back up over the line. Cable or rope can be used; preference is 1/2 inch diameter nylon rope.

There is a fixed upright hook on either side of the gunner's box (facing outboard) for extra line; there is a feeder (motor) on either side of the gunner's box that lays coils of rope onto a hook. Safety nets extend outward about 12 ft from all framing (using "spring poles") and are about 5 feet below the framing.

When loaded with rope, the removable hook is attached to the bottom of the traveler which surrounds the grapple launcher rail. The gun rail is about 12 feet long (free length) and is rectangular in cross section. The "traveler" surrounds the gun rail and is pulled forward by the bunges which passes around the front of the gun rail on 2 broad pulleys (doubling the length of the bunges). The hook in effect launches the rope (about 65 pounds) and the grapple is launched just ahead of it (it is mounted under the traveler just ahead of the hook). The bulk of the rope lays in a box below and behind the hook under the traveler.

Note that the wind conditions affect how and when grapples are fired and also which of the two units fires the grapple. The tactics are complex but the use of two large units makes travel much more efficient. The toughest mode is to travel upwind. The normal mode is to be crabbing with the wind. Generally, it is best to take full advantage of natural barriers such as mountain ridges and canyons.

The following is the sequence for loading and firing a grapple:

1. (Before winching in a line.) For the upcoming shot, determine if more or less line will be needed (judge against the current amount of line out). If more is going to be needed, add line to the hook from the fixed hook before winching. The fixed hook holds the excess line. If less is needed, remove the excess after that amount has been laid (coiled) onto the hook by the feeder.

2. Winch in the line.

3. At a high line angle, send the weight (a slotted cylinder) down the line to release the grapple from the tree. Cut the grapple free if required (using the articulating hammer-headed saw). Winch in the line in until the grapple is at its swivel/snatch block (just below the winch).

4. Clean the grapple of debris and remove the slider weight. Remove the grapple and line from the snatch block and the open roller guides. Carry the rope and the grapple up and around the pivot frame.

5. Remove the line from the snatch block on the pivot frame. Carry the line and grapple to the launching platform. Take the grapple and reset the rear casing, check the line connection and reset the arms. Undo the line from the feeder.

6. Unlock the large Blue knobs on the sides of the launcher yoke (which set the gun elevation). Unlock the side (Blue) knobs on the gun rail and slide the rail forward and relock it "full out" (gives clearance to the rear of the launcher).

7. Rotate launcher up and around (180 degrees) toward the winch side to be loaded. Pull the traveler to the rear of the launcher (remove empty hook) and arm gun trigger (pull traveler way back until a click is heard). -- Set the Trigger Safety --

8. Load grapple on bottom of launcher on front bottom end (the spider) of the traveler.

11. Rotate launcher around and down, roughly level. Unlock the side Blue knobs (1/2 turn either way).

12. Take the line (no free end) and set it up as follows: (a) Feed line onto the hook (1 or 2 coils) and into the feeder, (b) Feed line successively into (1) the swivel/snatch block on the leg of the pivot frame, (2) the top roller guide, (3) around the head of the winch, (4) through the bottom roller guide and (5) through the snatch block.

13. Pull end of launcher to one side. Attach sand hoist line to rear of launcher and pass line forward to the end of the launcher; attach line to a bunge loop (metal) and pull it back to the rear of the launcher (use more bunges if needed). Undo sand hoist line. Unlock the traveler -- make sure that the trigger safety lock is set before you start.

14. Rotate launcher back. Select and set launcher (firing) elevation (lock the large Blue knobs on the sides of the yoke). Launcher is still free to rotate from side to side.

15. [The other winch can be winching during the reloading process.] Wait until the winching on the other winch is "done."

16. Select a target, fire launcher (lanyard pull). [Use the time delay pull if possible; gives a low frequency 6 second warning sound.]

17. Check for fouls. Start winch immediately on impact of grapple (take up the slack as fast as possible). Feeder should be coiling onto the hook. [Impact speed of grapple for a 300-500 yd throw should be about 50 mph.] Check line set (use a good line tension).

18. Decide which line(s) to winch and what winching rates are best (e.g., standard mode is to be crabbing with the wind).

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