Giant Scale Towplanes

[Len]

One of the most exciting aspect of radio control is the growing community of Aerotowing.

With sailplanes with wingspans ranging from 100" to 35 feet, how do we get them up in the air?

TOW PLANES:

We use tow planes to launch the glides. "Tugs" as they are referred to, have larger than normal power plants up front and typically are outfitted with canisters to help keep them quiet.

We fit the tugs with a tow release just aft of the CG and forward of the trailing edge.

 

[WMcNabb]

Great photo gallery and impressive aircraft! Thanks for sharing Len!!

 

[bigblueswope]

Len,

What happens to the tow line when you release it?


BJ Swope

 

[Robbins]

love em keep the pics coming!

 

[BarracudaHockey]

Len,

What happens to the tow line when you release it?


BJ Swope

Ideally the glider releases it, the tow plane only drops the line if there's an issue.

Then it nearly always balls up in the top of the largest tree in sight, even if thats the only tree in sight

 

[BarracudaHockey]

Here's some of my pics

 

[Pistolera]

Some very interesting planes there! Love the Wilga

 

[SleepyC]

Awesome!

 

[Len]

Nice pictures Andy, thanks for posting them too.

Both Tug and gliders have a release , in the event of a problem the tug can release the tow line and glider. It pretty rare but it does happen. The Tug pilot is responsible for his plane and the glider pilot is responsible for his glider, obviously.
It's interesting when towing big sailplanes, the tug can get pulled around a bit if you're not careful.