Flexhook version 1

Left side Right side

Left side

Right side

The first version uses a small microswitch to detect hook extension, which is the equivalent of a mechanical hook unlatching. At this point the timer drives the servo to open the latch. More recently a second screw has been added to limit the forward movement of the load sensing lever.

The servo is a Staufenbiel Dymond D44. They also come in a digital version and with metal gears. Allard used the same servo for rudder control on his first flapper even though it isn't as accurate as their bigger servos: servo accuracy is related to potentiometer diameter, so the bigger the better.