The tug/glider mix is very much horses for courses. In the early post war period Tiger Moths were cheap and plentiful, and gliders lightweight and slow. A good match.
When I was at Nowra (1969-1986) we originally had a Beagle Terrier (in the days before I flew the tug) which was pretty similar to an Auster. Low power and low performance but adequate for the Kookaburra, Arrow, Boomerang etc. When it was written off after failing to outclimb the trees at the end of a paddock when doing (attempting!) an aerotow retrieve (which tells you something) we bought a Super Cub. It was on the Super Cub that I learned my towing. From memory it was originally a 125hp later reengined to 150HP (but I stand correction on that - it was quite a while ago). It was fine at sea level towing Blaniks, Boomerang and early fibreglass such as ASW15. Even did dual cross country tows with 2 Blaniks from time to time (though never with me flying thank you). At Bunyan (Canberra) we run a Pawnee 235. The Pawnee is generally good at Bunyan (2500' AMSL and at times severe turbulence and downdrafts), and will also handle standard class full-of-water-on-hot-days at Temora pretty comfortably. Though last summer I had the pleasure (?) of towing an ASH25 2 up on a hot day at Temora and that sure reduced the rate of climb. But even the Pawnee 235 has its moments of full power sink on extreme days at Bunyan, though they don't last long. I would hate to see the Super Cub trying to cope at Bunyan. I seem to recall when the World Comps were at Waikerie in 1974 (?) there was a proposal to use RAAF Winjeels as tugs. (Radial engine side by side 2 seater.) Lots and lots of grunt, but couldn't fly slow enough as they overheated at the towing speeds. So really the starting point is what are you towing, and where? Allan Armistead ph (02) 6249 6470, fax (02) 6249 6555, mobile 0413 013 911 PO Box 908, Dickson ACT 2602, Australia "When once you have tasted flight, you will always walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you always will be." Leonardo da Vinci, 1452-1519
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