Aircraft Launch System

​The Aircraft Launch System (ALS) was a collaboration with Cow Aeronautics. It was a system that would launch aircraft, removing the need for heavy and inefficient landing gear. The main structure was made of polylactic acid, which enabled for rapid production, however for many reasons it was a poor material choice. The Launch Sled was the component that would travel with the aircraft to accelerate it, and was made of polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol-modified. The "hook" that would restrain the Launch Sled from launching, was made of the same material. The block that would stop the Launch Sled from falling out from the system was originally planned to be made out of thermoplastic polyurethane, a flexible material. This was due to the impact absorbing properties, and would reduce the risk of damaging the weak polylactic acid frame. Unfortunately, thermoplastic polyurethane is a hygroscopic material, and it had absorbed moisture to the point that it was unprintable. At the time Toad Aeronautics did not have a dedicated dehydrator, therefore it had to be made of carbon-fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol. The frame was ultimately damaged, and as of now has not been used for its intended purpose.