Towing Accessories - Drogue Chutes

Drogue Chutes are used to provide tension on the towline after the pilot releases to keep the line from falling to the ground, and to allow tension to be applied to the towline to ensure a smoother rewind of the towline. Round drogues are the simplest drag producing device. Typical use involves attaching the drogue chute lines to the end of the towline, with a leader line attached to the apex of the drogue that connects to the pilot through a weaklink. In use, tension on the towline keeps the drogue deflated. Once the pilot releases, the drogue automatically inflates. Our round drogues are the finest available. In brand new yet military surplus condition, these drogues are vented and stabilized. They don't lock out and they allow favourably low line sink rates, and high tension to be applied (up to 200 pounds +) during rewind. Used to stabilize air dropped cargo loads during HALO operations these are now available to paraglider pilots at a fraction of their original cost.

Rectangular drogues are used for applications where dropping the line during rewind is simply not an option. They are designed to fly the line up after release to maintain tension on the line. A very strong chute, these drogues can be deployed at speeds up to 65 M.P.H. and they will withstand the opening shock without failure. They are stowed in a stretchy lycra pouch carried on the towed pilot. Upon release, the drogue is pulled from the deployment bag and inflates. Due to the design of the drogue the chute flies upwards, rather than dropping the line, which allows the line to be rewound without fear of entanglement with objects on the ground. Ideal for Static line, and jetski towing operations. They aren't cheap by any means, but they are truly the finest available.

Costs

Round drogues sell for $95 / ea. ($ 75 if purchased with a tow system)

Rectangular drogues sell for $235 and include 3 deployment bags and adjustable drag device.