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tintoryesterday at 11:23 PM2 repliesview on HN

What is their safety case?

How are they planning to handle aborted takeoffs of towing plane, for example?

How does it integrate with ATC? During towing? During landing of glider?

This video claims that trailer is landing separately and autonomously. Obscure of details. https://www.aerolane.com/news/florida-2025-q1-tests


Replies

bigwheelstoday at 12:56 AM

Also, how much does it decrease the fuel economy of the towing plane?

I sure wouldn't want to be on a Boeing 7XX flight with one of these things in tow. Just imagine the possibility for human and machine error, the plane in tow could cause all manner of issues for the leader.

Ever tried riding a bike and towing someone on another bike or a skateboard? It's perilous. Now do it in the air. Gutsy.

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ricardobeattoday at 12:02 AM

It looks like the prototypes land separately because they are converted aircraft. The production glider uses autopilot and is meant to land behind the main aircraft.