Inboard Target Towing Winches

The MBV 7S Hydraulic operated winch is intended for heavy duty target towing operations with inboard installation in the towing aircraft.

The winch consists of an hydraulic unit which is powered by a pump from one of the engines. The pump is customer supply due to CAA regulations. Hydraulic pressure is supplied to the hydraulic unit which contains all the necessary control valves for control of the winch and the optional target launcher system.

Winch operation is controlled from the control panel which sends commands via the control unit to the hydraulic valves. Reel in or out, reel speed and tow line length are displayed on the control panel.

High reel in and out speeds reduces target operation time and gives more time in the firing area. The safety system consists of a separately operated electric brake and a safety click. It also includes an emergency line cutter operated with explosive squibs. The advanced control system allows one operator to operate the system with precision and control of the target. The winch tow line is routed to a launcher arm installed under the aircraft from where the target is launched and retrieved. The tow line can also be routed through the wing of the aircraft and connect to the target in a launching/retrieving station at the wing hard point. Air Target can also supply the outboard launcher arm with hydraulic actuator. The advantageous weight/power ratio of this winch makes installation in a variety of small aircrafts possible. Certification of winch and launcher installation is the responsibility of the customer or installer.

The winch is presently used in the following aircrafts: LEARJET, MITSUBISHI MU-2, CESSNA CONQUEST, CESSNA CARAVAN II.