Tow Cable Retractor Winch
The tow cable retractor winch with guillotine allows the tow cable to be retracted during descent, and, in the event of danger, to be chopped. This has substantial safety and cost benefits compared with conventional aero tow:
No cable drop with potential risk to people or aircraft
Considerably diminished noise levels since aircraft can land right away
More economical operation through elimination of cable drop and reduced flight time
No delays in aircraft starts due to tracing and retrieving tow cables
In the event of danger, the tow cable can be chopped anytime to sever the link between glider and tug, also under high loads and large cable angles
The retractor winch is installed in the fuselage (baggage compartment); the load is taken up by the cable stop plate unit mounted to the tow support in the aircraft tail. Once the glider pilot has released the tow cable, the tug pilot retracts the cable and is ready for the next towing job. Since 1981, about 750 of these CRGs (previously known as System Feuerstein) have been successfully deployed all over the world. Refer to the tables for a list of EASA-approved installations. CRGs are installed as standard by aircraft manufacturers, but retrofitting older aircraft is also possible and is done very often by gliding clubs. We consult you profoundly. The requirements of the regional authorities for airfield approvals are increasing. With the installation of a CRG in the towing aircraft those requirements can be fulfilled more easy. Also the neighbours will profit from the decreasing emissions.
The retractor winch is installed in the fuselage (baggage compartment); the load is taken up by the cable stop plate unit mounted to the tow support in the aircraft tail. Once the glider pilot has released the tow cable, the tug pilot retracts the cable and is ready for the next towing job. Since 1981, about 750 of these CRGs (previously known as System Feuerstein) have been successfully deployed all over the world. Refer to the tables for a list of EASA-approved installations. CRGs are installed as standard by aircraft manufacturers, but retrofitting older aircraft is also possible and is done very often by gliding clubs. We consult you profoundly. The requirements of the regional authorities for airfield approvals are increasing. With the installation of a CRG in the towing aircraft those requirements can be fulfilled more easy. Also the neighbours will profit from the decreasing emissions.
