A.R.T.F.

Is it possible to aero tow a 2 channel (ruder and elevator) glider? I fly powered aircraft but always wanted to try it and have an old 2 metre glider at home in the loft.

Thanks

Simon

Ranfred Radius

My Feedback: (8)

Yes! It's done all the time at our local field using a .40 size Telemaster towing a Great Planes Spirit.

Randy

rscarawa

Are you towing with a line or a cradle?

A.R.T.F.

I was going to buy a plane the Precedent T240 and tow (using a line) with that. My dad has a .46 size cub, would this be big enough for a 2 metre glider? The club I am a member of is only small, about 25 members with no glider pilots, I was hoping that having a reasonably large tug would attract glider pilots. As I started with rc gliders before getting into powered planes and I think aero towing would be good fun.

Thanks for the replies

Simon

hangaround

The precedent 240 will be a nice tug, as is the little Cub. You need a towrelease on the tug for safety.
Remember that you can't have enough power, and to keep everybody comfortable, put so much energy in to the tug (weight/speed/climbrate) that the glider is not in control.. 2ch gliders will often stabilize with long towlines, or given enough power just slowly pull them vertical.
For the Cub towing the old 2M, it probably will work out OK, but you won't know before you try.

A.R.T.F.

Am I right in thinking that the release on the tug should be behind the wings on top of the fuz? Will this be the same for both the Cub and the T240? Are there any web sites with designs for a tow release or would you suggest buying one?

Thanks

hangaround

Placement of the tow hook, between middle and back of wing will give you OK result, I can't tell the difference once towing, but this is kind of religious.
Of course you can buy a towrelease, for one Flair has one, but they really are very easy to make. A small tube with a servo driving a pin through it is enough.
I like to keep it as simple as possible. Pics under is from my ZDZ160 powered Bellanca.

Stickmaster

My Feedback: (22)

AHHH Precedent 240 , Here is a 240 with a 25cc homelite for power and bomb bay doors Thats a 12 foot Telemaster in the back ground , and a pic of a kit I have still in the box!