BT-13 Needs A Tow!

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:45 am

Look Ma, No Prop! :lol:

I crack me up.

Wheels up · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:52 am

Are those CG-4's on the ground?

Notice the nose up attitude (relative to tow line) required for level flight.

Paul Krumrei · **Joined:** Sun Apr 03, 2005 11:06 pm **Posts:** 1757

Wheels up wrote:

Are those CG-4's on the ground?

Notice the nose up attitude (relative to tow line) required for level flight.

Yes

Robbie Stuart · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 8:59 am

Whats pulling it?

Robbie

Paul Krumrei · **Joined:** Sun Apr 03, 2005 11:06 pm **Posts:** 1757

I received this information and the photo from Charles Day!

Quote:

This "Look Ma, No Prop" photo is from my book, Silent Ones WWII Invasion
Glider Test & Experiment Clinton County Army Air Field Wilmington Ohio.
The photo was made in 1943.

The aircraft was several other places first, but then was assigned to
Wright Field and CCAAF for glider test. It is being towed using a 11/16"
diamter nylon tow line, same as for the CG-4A glider, by a C-60.

The idea of this was to retrieve flyable fighter aircraft with problem
engines back to a location where engine replacement or work could be
done. The tests were successful but I don't believe it was ever used in
any combat theater.

The aircraft is currently in the NASM collection, in storage.

Regards,
Charles Day, author
Silent Ones WWII Invasion Glider Test & Experiment Clinton County Army
Air Field Wilmington Ohio

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:21 am

What a cool display that will be one day! NASM has to have a C-60 right? Im sure they will, if they think of displaying both aircraft as 'in flight'.

I can see both of them now, hooked up and hanging at the Hazy Center.

skybolt2003 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:24 am

Wheels up wrote:

Are those CG-4's on the ground?

Notice the nose up attitude (relative to tow line) required for level flight.

It's in high tow position to keep it above the propwash of the tug – that's why the tow rope is at that angle. Generally you want to be just high enough to stay outof the wake, but not too high. Its easy to lose sight of the tug if you get high, and you can over-power the tug and upset it. This guy looks a little high, but hard to say.

I've heard that for long flights (such as across the channel) they used low tow (below the wake). Its more efficient and easier to maintain position. Where I tow, we use low tow all the time – much safer for the tow pilot.

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:39 am

On the round towards the left looks like a P-38, C-47, and a Hudson bomber.

visaliaaviation · **Joined:** Mon Jul 03, 2006 2:01 pm **Posts:** 353

A lot of people don't know this but a P-51B was towed similarly. it seems there was no direct comparison of wind tunnel model data to that of a full scale aircraft. I've got more datas.

Aircraft Mech Paul · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:13 pm

Hmmm,

I never knew that the BT-13 was a glider.............but I've been wrong before

Paul

planenutti · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 5:46 pm

Good idea for getting your BT to a show while the prop is out for it's 5 year AD.

Steve Nelson · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:56 pm

I've got an old book with a pic of an SBC Helldiver (biplane) being towed to a maintenance depot in a similar manner.

SN

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 2:03 pm

Very interesting! So what was the landing procedure for this setup?

bipe215 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2007 7:57 pm

Air Force magazine about a year or so ago had a a series of photos showing a P-47 being pulled aloft from a standing start by a low flying
B-17.

Steve G

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BT-13 Needs A Tow!

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