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Comment on Unpowered cargo gliders on tow ropes promise 65% cheaper air freight

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It sounds interesting…

But it’s one thing to try and win an existential war by any means necessary including downgrading safety, but I think it’s another thing when you intend to use this for civilian freight transportation.

What’s the contingency for a snapped tow rope? Or electro/hydromechanical failure on either aircraft during take off or landing? One plane involved is plenty to handle; how do you handle two?

Light glider planes with one passenger or two is one thing, but an unpiloted freight aircraft, I’d think has greater risk. I get they might have remote operators for the glider, but some situations need proximate feedback.

What’s the contingency for a snapped tow rope?

Same as with a dead engine: fuck off to the nearest airstrip or improvise an air strip.

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