"Just got back from the USUSA meet. Boy, that was a blast. Met a guy from your area who demonstrated your tow release - I'm impressed! Please send me a couple."

Ron Kenney
Region 6 Instructor

The light weight, low cost, sure fire, place anywhere,
Tow Release for Hang Gliders and Paragliders

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PAYOUT WINCH SETUP
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Place the Linknife as MAIN release between bridle and towline (this position is also known as the ARS, or Apex Release Site). For a BACKUP you can also place the Linknife directly on the bridle within easy reach. Payout winch release placement (illustration)
The dotted lines in the drawing to the right show an alternate idea for a YAW LIMITER. This has not been tried yet as I have no direct experience with payout/platform launching, though I have crewed for quite a few pilots with this style of launching.

Alternately, a PITCH LIMITER can be added... a line from the Linknife to the nose of the glider. Also see the Linknife Operation (takes 1 minute to load)

A 4-strand weaklink will set up easily between the towline and the bridle. My personal favorite for a weaklink is 130-pound test braided dacron kite string, tied with a grapevine knot (a large pilot may want to use 150# line). Starting with 18-20 inches of string, this gives me a large enough loop to work while wearing gloves. Insert the first loop through the towline, then pass the 2 end loops through the Linknife above the O-ring as shown below. Place both loop ends in the rapid link. Don't forget to close the rapid link.

Linknife Tow Release photo

COSTS:

Linknife — $20 each + shipping.
Club/dealer discounts available.

Bridles (aero or static), including Linknife,
rapid links and setup instructions — $50 each

ORDERING:

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US orders (Linknife single-order only)

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Other than US orders (Linknife only) drop me an email with your specifics for quantity and shipping method desired.

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Quantity orders of 10 or more Linknifes @ $15.00 each (add $10 shipping/insurance to US addresses for each 10 ordered)

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Bridles are made from red 900-pound heat set and stretched braided dacron with woven and hand-sewn loops in the ends. Kits include: Linknife release with extra O-ring, main 1:1 or 2:1 bridle, waist or shoulder bridle and connecting rapid links. Kits do not include the static tow waist bridle release mechanism (such as sailboat shackle) or release pull string as there are too many optional ways of setting this up. Custom bridles are available; please call or write with your specifications.

Static Line Tow Bridle (Hewett Center of Mass 2:1), or V-line (1:1 keel-to-pilot) Aerotow Bridle @ $50 each (plus $5.00 for ship/pkg) to US addresses. (Please add a note specifying which bridle you are ordering.)

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or send check to:
Birren Design Company
502 Shadywood Lane
Elk Grove, Illinois 60007
P: 847/640-0171
F: 847/640-0208
E: Email

DISCLAIMER: As with all aviation endeavors, your choice and use of equipment is totally up to you. It is assumed you are an experienced HG or PG tow pilot who is intimately familiar with the style of towing you will be doing. As such, YOU ASSUME ALL RISK AND LIABILITY in the use of the Linknife, as well as all other parts, functions and personnel involved in the towing and flight operations. If you do not have experience in towing, please contact an instructor for expert training. Trying to learn on your own can, and probably will, result in your injury and even death. Many pilots have paid the ultimate price so we may now tow as safely as never before possible. Please learn from their lessons.

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PAYOUT WINCH SETUP
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