Tow Release for tow plane

[JimD]

[JimD]

[aerowiz]

I used a tow release from the front of a large sailplane and mounted it flush behing the canopy.

[sjprod]

Pictures of the Graupner Tow release on my Porter.

[Kiwi CHC]

Are there any prefered positions for the TUG tow point? Are there positions that dont work? Tail etc?

[Len]

The most common point for an RC Tug is between the CG point and the TE of the wing. Some have ventured on and towed from the tail, much like the full size operations, however in a model airplane scenario that is a dangerous proposition. When full scale towing takes place, there is a pilot on-board the sailplane to guide the ship into the correct "position" behind the tug. If the sailplane was to get very low or wide, it would pull the tail of the tug and influence the stability and control to the point of disaster.
In the model world, that would mean crashing as soon as the sailplane was too low, pulling down on the tail and stalling the tug. On variable would be if the glider on tow was a foam glider for example, with no weight to consider, the overpowered tow plane would probably not feel the difference and make a successful tow.

On R/C tug, its best to be aft of the CG and somewhat forward of the TE of the wing. This has been the preferred location and seems to work very well without having to fear the worst.

What plane are you thinking about using for a tug?

LEN

[Kiwi CHC]

Hey thanks Len for your prompt response I have become an avid reader of your expert opinion it is appreciated: The Model is a CY models Cessna 188 ( 110inch) with a DLE 60 twin. Have heard stories of taking the tow point from the canopy roof? or just after where the canopy ends on the turtle deck between the back of the canopy and the start of the vertical stab?

intersted in your thoughts

Paul

[Len]

Not the roof. Rossco did something similar with a "Post" that exited up near the top of the roof and it was too high. Behind the canopy at the turtle deck or some guys come out the sides of the fuse, aft of the CG and make a Y bridle that comes together wlll aft of the rudder so it does not interfere.


Nice plane!!


LEN

[Kiwi CHC]

Thanks len again for good advise will send pics of completed tug
Paul

[Rossco]

[QUOTE=Len;15937]Not the roof. Rossco did something similar with a "Post" that exited up near the top of the roof and it was too high. Behind the canopy at the turtle deck or some guys come out the sides of the fuse, aft of the CG and make a Y bridle that comes together wlll aft of the rudder so it does not interfere.

Thanks for reminding me of that Len, look, it did work providing you had a guy on the back that wasn't an astronaut on tow. After that it all gets ugly! Bottom of the cabin is the easiest.