Tow plane

The articles aircraft tow and tow plane overlap thematically. Help me to better differentiate or merge the articles (→  instructions ) . To do this, take part in the relevant redundancy discussion . Please remove this module only after the redundancy has been completely processed and do not forget to include the relevant entry on the redundancy discussion page{{ Done | 1 = ~~~~}}to mark. Frank Murmann  Mentoring Program 19:24, Apr. 20, 2018 (CEST)

A tow plane is an aircraft that has the appropriate devices to tow other aircraft or objects in flight with the help of a cable or rod connection. These are predominantly gliders ( aircraft tow ), advertising banners ( banner tow) or aerial targets in military exercises (target tow). Exotic dragged items were e.g. B. in the Second World War, fuel tanks that were towed for long-distance use in the towbar.

General aviation

In general aviation , a tow plane is used to tow advertising banners or gliders . In Germany, according to § 9 LuftVO, advertising flights with objects being towed require the permission of the aviation authority of the federal state in which the applicant is domiciled. The authority can set requirements, in particular higher minimum levels or time restrictions.

Gliding

A Wilga pulls a double tow

In gliding , aircraft towing is the most common method of getting a glider into the air alongside winch launch . In Germany, according to § 9 LuftVO, the towing of sailplanes does not require an explicit permit from the authorities. The registered towing authorization SB (A) is sufficient.

The pilot of the glider must be authorized to tow the aircraft. Gliders with retractable engines can use them to support the tow if their flight and operating manual allows this.

Tow planes

Motor gliders or ultralight aircraft are used as tow planes in addition to normal motor aircraft. Tow planes require special equipment and approval. Only powerful motorized aircraft are permitted for double towing. Double towing is rarely seen due to the higher weight of modern gliders and the higher risks.

military

In military terms, towed targets (originally banners that were penetrated by bullets, later also radar devices for measuring the distance of the bullets that passed) are used by tow planes to display their targets. The tow targets serve as moving targets for anti-aircraft and fighter aircraft.

Before the advent of helicopters, cargo gliders were also used to transport troops and weapons during World War II, which were pulled by tow planes.