wingtiptowingtip

Wingtip towing tip is a term used in aviation and aeromodelling to describe a wingtip-mounted tow attachment or mechanism intended to facilitate aircraft towing operations. The concept takes its name from the location (wingtip) and its purpose (to tow), and is discussed primarily in niche hobbyist and light-aircraft contexts.

Designs range from simple fixed towpoints integrated into winglets or wing tips to more elaborate retractable devices housed in a small fairing near the tip. Materials commonly include carbon fiber composites or reinforced plastics, chosen to minimize added weight and aerodynamic drag. Some versions incorporate a short guide to prevent towline abrasion or entanglement with control surfaces.

Usage and advantages: The wingtip towpoint allows towing from the wing instead of the nose gear or fuselage center, which can be advantageous on small fields, gliders, or UAVs with non-standard nose gear. It can reduce propeller risk for propeller-driven aircraft during ground starts and enables operations where conventional towing is difficult. It is also used in model aircraft to simplify field handling.

Limitations and considerations: Structural modification to the wing may be required, and care must be taken to maintain wing balance and vibration characteristics. Towline length, tension, and clearance must be managed, and regulatory certification or field-approved procedures may vary by jurisdiction. The term remains largely informal and not widely standardized.