On Sunday, September 21, 2008 4:06:19 PM UTC-8, wrote:
It seems that a payout winch similar to those used for hang gliders
might be useful as a more efficient alternative to auto tows. You can
make better use of the runway length and have perhaps a safer launch
with proper calibration. Is anyone using such systems? Are they
practical? Are they in fact better than a straight auto tow?

I've done payout winch tows on Gary's system. Start out with 100 ft at the glider. vs 1,500 or 2,000 ft on a straight auto tow. Once the tension is set at the truck the pilot does not worry about over-stressing the line. When you pitch up the line is payed out, hit headwind or lift the line is payed out more. (vice versa if you hit sink or tailwind) After the climb is established the truck drivers slows down and the glider can pitch up more for speed/climb. 900 foot pattern tows from a 3,000 ft taxiway. As compared to the same on a 5,000 ft run w 1,500 foot recently at Ephrata WA
There is no cable to drop as it is rewound on the payout drum.
I think http://www.romansdesign.com/ has a project on this, although I have not heard anything in awhile.