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

Launch style
discussed uses the Hewett Center-of-Mass Bridle
See other static line photos here
Place as MAIN release between
bridle and towline. Place alternate backup either at the keel directly
on the bridle or on the upper bridle line directly in front of the pilot.
Backups like this are not really recommended for Hewett 2:1 bridles as
pilot injury is possible when the bridle whips through the waist attachment
ring. Your hook knife is the best option for a release failure (not that
the Linknife is going to fail or anything, but no release in 100% foolproof.
You might set it up wrong... who knows?).
Add 6 inches of small shrink
tubing (diagram below) to the pull string, snug against the Linknife,
to prevent the Linknife from twisting around the weaklink. You can also
customize the setup by mounting a small dog leash reel to your harness
for the pull string. (Make sure you lock it before launching!)
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. 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. See the Linknife Operation (takes 1 minute to load)

An alternate PITCH
LIMITER line can be attached to the glider's nose. See Opinion Page
for more information on this concept.

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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Page last update:
February 22, 2008
This entire site and the Linknife Towing Release © 2000 Birren Design Company
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