Auto Launch (NAV_LAUNCH)

Airplane launch assistant

INAV's auto launch is intended to provide assistance for launching the fixed-wing UAVs. Launch detection works by monitoring airplane acceleration - once it breaches the threshold for a certain amount of time launch sequence is started. This detection should happen due to a thrown release or a launch system, such as a bungee launch. Do not fake throw your airplane to start the motor prematurely. If powered assistance is needed. Use the idle idle throttle settings to assist.

NAV LAUNCH mode is based on Angle mode. So it will try and stabilise plane. It will target zero roll, zero yaw and the predefined climb angle. The I-gain of the PIFF regulator is also disabled to prevent I-gain growing during launch until motor is started. When successful launch is detected it waits for preconfigured amount of time before starting motor.

NAV LAUNCH is automatically aborted after a timeout in seconds (default of 5 seconds), by exceeding an altitude (default to off), or by any pilot input on PITCH/ROLL stick. When it has aborted it goes to whichever mode is selected. This can be Angle, Acro, Horizon, RTH or a waypoint mission (if no other mode is selected it will go to Acro mode).

It's safe to keep NAV LAUNCH activated during flight, after the launch has being completed. But, keep in mind that if you accidentally disarm while flying. You need to disable NAV LAUNCH mode to being able to control the model again.

Gliders have different needs than motorised planes. See below for advice on a glider launch setup.

See the INAV CLI Settings document for all available parameters, they start with nav_fw_launch_.

Launch sequence

The sequence for launching an airplane using NAV LAUNCH mode looks like this:

1. Make sure you are in a non-navigation mode (Manual, Acro, Angle, or Horizon).
2. If auto launch is not permanently enabled. Set your switch to enable NAV LAUNCH mode.
3. ARM the plane.
4. Set the flight mode to the exit flight mode. This will be used after the launch has completed. Loiter is a great choice for the exit flight mode.
5. Put throttle stick to desired throttle value to be used after launch is finished.
   • If nav_fw_launch_idle_thr is set. The motor could start spinning at this point. Verify that motor doesn't respond to throttle stick motion. Don't touch the pitch/roll stick!
   • From version 3.0 nav_fw_launch_idle_motor_delay can be set to delay the motor starting at idle (useful for launching large aircraft). When idle motor delay is used the launch beep sound changes a few seconds before the motor is about to start as a warning to the pilot (beep becomes more rapid).
   • From version 8.0 nav_fw_launch_wiggle_to_wake_idle can be used to activate the idle throttle. It can be used in addition to, or instead of, nav_fw_launch_idle_motor_delay.
6. Launch the airplane.
7. Motors will start at the pre-configured nav_fw_launch_idle_thr (default 1700) after nav_fw_launch_motor_delay (500ms).
8. The launch sequence will finish when pilot switch off the NAV LAUNCH mode or moves the sticks, or the exit criteria has been met (timeout or altitude).

Caution

Motors will spin if you disable NAV LAUNCH mode after arming.

Launch threshold detection

For most airplanes, the default settings for the launch threshold detection should work fine. However, with some larger aircraft. These settings may need adjustment. Checking and fine tuning these parameters are the only time you should jerk your airplane to "fake launch". Once set, throwing the airplane alone is all that is needed to trigger the launch.

Permanently enabled launch mode

From version 1.9 NAV LAUNCH can be permanently enabled via the configurator or the CLI using feature FW_LAUNCH. In this case NAV LAUNCH doesn't need to be enabled via a transmitter switch prior to arming. If you want to launch the plane manually just move pitch/roll stick after you have armed the plane and you have back throttle control. If you inadvertently disarm mid-air before raising the throttle again (you should lower the throttle to arm again) move pitch/roll stick and you will have throttle control back.

Manual throttle launch

From INAV 6.0.0 it is possible to use NAV Launch with manual throttle control. This is really intended as a more controllable alternative to the shake to start motor and throw method of launching. Shaking the airplane to start the motor has never been recommended as a launch technique. When enabled using setting nav_fw_launch_manual_throttle the throttle is controlled manually throughout the launch using the throttle stick. There is no motor idle or detection used to start the motor, motor control is entirely manual and active via the throttle stick once armed. INAV only controls roll, yaw, and pitch attitude during the launch climb out.

Note

If this option is used with no GPS fix available it is recommended to throw the plane as soon as the throttle is raised in order to avoid possible degraded control issues and premature end of the launch timeout (moving the throttle stick back to idle will reset the affected launch parameters if required).

Glider and slope soarer setup

For obtaining launch assistance for hand-thrown gliders, it's a bit tricky. One possible solution is to setup the throttle as in input for switching modes. At lowest throttle setting, disarm and enter passthrough. Just above minimal throttle, turn on Nav Launch, then just above that, Arm and activate Angle - all simultaneously "on" for launch.

This will allow the FC to reset the launch sequence and be ready for toss with Angle activated after launch.

Setup launch parameters appropriately:

set nav_fw_launch_climb_angle = XX 45?

'nav_fw_launch_climb_angle' is the climb angle for launch sequence (degrees), is also restrained by global max_angle_inclination_pit.

set nav_fw_launch_thr = 1700

The nav_fw_launch_idle_thr parameter can be problematic for a glider. Not obvious, since Airplanes change PID values for throttle based on set tpa_rate = XXX and set tpa_breakpoint = XXXX (adjust accordingly). Also, not well documented but PIDs are boosted at low throttles by 1.5X!! Can cause unexplained behaviour at launch. For some gliders - having PID gains reduced for toss is beneficial (DLG launch may be fastest speed the glider travels).

set nav_fw_launch_velocity = XXX 300?

'nav_fw_launch_velocity' is the forward velocity threshold for swing-launch detection [cm/s].

One option is to add Horizon mode at very top end of throttle, to enable acro flying with ability to drop back to angle mode for emergency recovery.