RC Glider Tow Release

thingiverse

Remote control glider aerotow is an exhilarating activity that offers endless fun and can be enjoyed using various types of gliders and tow planes. To engage in this thrilling experience safely, it's crucial to have a dependable and easy-to-use release mechanism on both the glider and tow plane. This tow release mechanism is specifically designed for remote control gliders with wingspans ranging from 1m to 3m. It is engineered to work seamlessly in foam or balsa gliders and tow planes that require the tow point mounted at the top or bottom of the fuselage. By installing the tow release mechanism under the glider, it allows a motor glider to be towed without necessitating the removal of the motor or any modifications to the nose cone. As long as you ensure the motor cannot activate while being towed, you don't even need to remove the propeller. **Required Hardware** - 1 x 9g - 12g standard micro servo (functions well with HS55 or HXT900 servos) - 2 x short lengths of steel wire with diameters ranging from 1mm to 2mm - 1 x M3x12mm machine screw **Supports** The main body of the tow release will necessitate some support material for both the recess for the flange and the slot that the pivot arm fits into. The pivot arm can be printed without support if it's printed on its side, but will require support if printed flat. **Assembly** Before assembling the mechanism, you need to drill out the holes for the steel wire in both the main body and the pivot arm. These holes have been intentionally designed undersized, allowing you to drill them to suit your chosen wire diameter. I've successfully used both 1mm and 2mm wires, so any wire within that range should work well. **Flange Types** There are three different types of flanges available, each designed to accommodate various plane configurations: - Type 1 features a wide flat flange to distribute the load or enable the tow release to be installed in an existing hole. - Type 2 is curved to follow the curve of a glider fuselage. - Type 3 has a small flat flange suitable for flat external surfaces. The flanges are designed to be extra long, allowing you to cut them to length to fit your plane or adjust your slicer settings to stop printing at the correct height. **Tow Line** I utilize these tow release mechanisms with a tow line made from "builders" sting line featuring small loops of thick fishing line tied on each end. The fishing line facilitates easy loop insertion, which reliably comes free without snagging during release. Based on my experience with gliders in the 1.5m-3m size range, a tow line approximately 12-16m long works effectively.