At 18:10 21 February 2014, kirk.stant wrote:
On Friday, February 21, 2014 11:41:20 AM UTC-6, Steve Leonard wrote:

Kirk, I don't think we want to consider a bridle from the tips. This
wou=
ld require HUGE spar changes, as you could easily impart 500 lbs aft
force
=
at both wing tips. This will pretty likely fold the wings aft and make
for=
a very high speed, although only vertical and down capable, tug. Maybe
th=
e missle you were hoping to use? :-)

I know that - I was really just throwing out some hare-brained ideas to
see=
what would stick. =20

My solution is a lot simpler:

1. Near term: Replace ALL Schweizer tow hooks on tow planes with Tost
hooks=
(so you can at least release if you get upset high enough), then provide
v=
ery specific training to ALL glider pilots on the cause an effect of a
tug
=
upset, to include a demo ride in a towplane at the receiving end. And
trea=
t all aerotows of gliders with CG hooks as potential kiting accidents and
b=
rief accordingly.






2. Long term: some sort of sensor controlled automatic release on tug to
el=
iminate problem, assuming our respective government aviation agencies
will
=
agree to their installation. Make it mandatory so the numbers are high
enou=
gh to drop the price down to something affordable. And remember, it has
to=
not only apply to fixed tow hooks, but also to retractable tow ropes
(now
=
how do you measure the forces?).

I still prefer the Bearcat towplane option. Kite away!

Kirk
66



I see no way to do this ,but,
put a pylon on the main spar and tow from the cofg ,shorten the vertical
stabiliser and add some area below the fus then protect the tail feathers
with
struts.
If I remember correctly ski boats went from a rope on the back to center
poles to give more maneuverability .
Try getting that past EASA or the FAA .