Tow release
A tow latch is a piece of equipment used in hang gliding and paragliding . It is only used for winch launch or UL towing of the hang glider as well as for winch launch of the paraglider in order to be able to separate the air sports equipment from the tow rope. For a slope start, the use of a tow release is not necessary on either a hang glider or a paraglider.
construction
Expanding tube tow latch
An expanding tube tow latch consists of a metal or plastic bracket that is fastened horizontally on both sides of the harness , as well as a mechanism into which the tow rope is hooked. This mechanism can be easily triggered by a lever, even under load, so that the tow rope can be released quickly and safely. Expanding tube tow ratchets for hang gliders are partly equipped with a double release mechanism to make releasing easier.
Webbing tow latch
A webbing tow latch, also known as a textile latch , consists of two webbing straps connected to one another at one end. At the free ends there are loops with which the webbing tow latch can be attached horizontally to the harness or the carabiners . At the connection point there is a mechanism into which the tow rope is hung. By briefly pulling on a handle connected to the mechanism, the connection to the tow rope can be released quickly and safely even under load. In some cases, webbing tow pawls are equipped with a winch towing aid (so-called "pre-accelerator"), which reduce the angle of attack of the paraglider during the towing process and thereby reduce the risk of deep stall.
Belt tow latches are only used for paragliding.
handling
Before take-off, the pilot attaches the tow rope to the tow latch. During the take-off and towing process, the pulling force of the winch is then transmitted to the pilot via the tow rope and the tow pawl. When towing a paraglider, make sure that the tow latch is not attached too low to the pilot's harness: if the tow rope breaks, the pilot would otherwise swing too much, which can lead to the paraglider collapsing. As soon as the pilot has reached the desired release height, he separates the tow pawl from the tow rope. The tow rope falls to the ground and the pilot can now maneuver freely.
In an emergency, the pilot can disconnect from the tow rope at any time, but in this case he must prepare for a shortened flight and a possible quick landing.
literature
- Carsten Peter, Toni Schlager: Paragliding. From beginner to professional. Bruckmann Verlag, Munich 2003, ISBN 3-7654-3834-0 .
Web links
General:
Expanding tube tow latch:
- Koch Doppelklinke 2 , Link to Drachenfliegenlernen.de with a good description of how it works, and a high-resolution image.
Webbing tow latch:
- Independence SK2 with integrated winch towing aid, link to the manufacturer with picture and description.