Made by Avian Hang Gliders

UPDATED FOR 2023

We are now making these using a CNC machined barrel, for the best possible consistency of action and minimal chance of accidental release

2 Barrel tow releases and line

The simple barrel tow release is very simple to attach to harness by just looping through your harness tow loops.

It is used with a short length of non stretch line (we use Dyneema) with smooth splicing at each end so as to run easily through the ring at the end of the tow line.  This forms an inverted ‘V’ shape with one end attached to each harness shoulder tow loop.

The use of this type of cord is very important.  Zero stretch cord means that if there is weaklink break the tow ring is much less likely to spring back in you face.  The smooth splice is vital to prevent the cord becoming caught in the tow ring when released.

It is recommended that with only to use two tow releases so it is possible to get rid of the tow line if it was to become in some way caught at the metal ring. This kit comprises two releases and a spliced Dyneema line.

Push/pull action

The only known disadvange to the standard barrel release was the zero tension situation. In the worse case, if the tug had an engine failure on takeoff just after the hang glider has left the ground, there is the risk of the hang glider overtaking the tug and meaning that there is no tension in the line. In this situation it is a fumble to release the standard barrel which must be pulled towards you against the tension in the tow line to open. For this reason, we have changed to a push/pull action option version where the barrel is retained by a bungee cord rather than a rivet. This type of release can still be opened in the standard way by pulling towards your body (and it’s assumed most pilots will do this in normal use), however it can also be released by pushing the barrel away from your body, and in this case will release even under zero tension. We now only offer the zero tension type as standard as we have found these to be better in any situation, please contact us to discuss if you wish to have the old type, pull only ones.

Weak links

It is helpful for the pilot to be able to supply their own weak link in case there is a problem of a too strong weak link else where in the system.  (Good pilots use very light or weak weak links as high loads should not occur with a good tow.  Beginners might be tempted to use a heavy weak link after multiple weak link failures.  This is extremely dangerous and it is highly recommended that you have your towing videoed and then correct the pilot error and do NOT change the weak link for a stronger one.)

It should be remembered that as the short line is doubled then a weak link of only half the strength is required in one side of the V.

We do not supply weak links as they are generally supplied by the club or organisation you’re towing with as different organisations can have differing opions of the best set up. Always make sure that as the pilot in command you are happy with whatever is used.

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