Bristell aircraft fly as glider tugs in club operations today — a factory towing kit with a tow hook or an onboard Tost tow winch, turbocharged Rotax options, and documented tows up to 850 kg (1,874 lbs).
Five aircraft in the range have an approved glider capacity — matched by engine to the gliders you fly.
| Model | Engine | Approved glider MTOW | Initial climb at max glider weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristell Classic 912iS | Rotax 912 iS | 700 kg (1,543 lbs) | 1.8 m/s (355 fpm) |
| Bristell Classic 915iS | Rotax 915 iS turbo | 800 kg (1,764 lbs) | 3.6 m/s (714 fpm) |
| Bristell Classic 916iS | Rotax 916 iS turbo | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) | 3.6 m/s (714 fpm) |
| Bristell B23-915iS | Rotax 915 iS turbo | 800 kg (1,764 lbs) | 3.0 m/s (595 fpm) |
| Bristell B23-916iS | Rotax 916 iS turbo | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) | 3.0 m/s (595 fpm) |
Initial climb is at max continuous power, with the glider at the approved towing weight for that model. The Bristell B23 is EASA CS-23 type certified. The Bristell Classic flies in Europe's ultralight category and the US Light Sport category, up to 600 kg (1,323 lbs) MTOW where the rules allow. Tell us your country and operation — we will match the aircraft and certification basis to it.
A tow plane lives on climb performance and the support behind it. Here is where a Bristell holds up.
Turbocharged Rotax 915 iS and 916 iS keep their power where normally-aspirated tugs fade — so the climb stays with you as temperature and altitude rise, exactly when a loaded glider needs it.
Calm low-speed handling and all-round visibility — including back to the glider. Liquid-cooled cylinder heads mean no shock-cooling to worry about on the descent back to the field.
A current-production airframe with factory-made parts and 24/7 technical support — not an ageing tug you nurse through another season.
A factory tow release at the tail, worked by a cockpit release handle and flown with a weak link rated for the glider on tow.
An aircraft-mounted Tost tow winch — the alternative to the fixed tow hook — certified on the B23-915iS and the B23-916iS, each through its own flight-manual supplement.
A rear-view camera lets the tow pilot keep the glider in view from the cockpit throughout the tow.
The tow hook is a factory option across the towing range; the Tost winch is certified on the B23-915iS and the B23-916iS. Every item is priced on the aircraft price list — ask for the configuration that fits your operation.
The tows below were flown in demonstrations and certification testing. The approved towing capacity for your own operation is the figure in the table above.
a demonstration tow off 520 m (1,706 ft) at Aero-Club Schänis, averaging 2.5 m/s (492 fpm) all the way to 2,300 m (7,546 ft)
towed to 1,000 m (3,281 ft) at 3.5 m/s (689 fpm) with the Rotax 915 iS
certification towing tests with gliders up to 850 kg (1,874 lbs) — Bristell B23, Rotax 915 iSc
towed off 600 m (1,969 ft) of grass behind the Bristell Classic 916iS
The Bristell B23 has proven highly effective for glider towing at Schänis Airfield. With over 1,000 flight hours in challenging mountainous terrains, its reliability and efficiency shine. Backed by Bristell, the B23 delivers an excellent cost-to-revenue ratio, making it a valuable asset for intensive towing.
Mike Hürlimann
Aero-Club Schänis, Switzerland · Bristell B23 tow fleet
BRM AERO holds its own production approval (POA CZ.21G.0063) — spares come from the line that made your aircraft.
Bristell Direct: +1 316 215 8651. AOG requests move first.
The engine is serviceable at any Rotax point worldwide, with Bristell partners across Europe and the USA — and AFM, AMM and IPC documentation for your own mechanics.
Five models have an approved glider capacity — the Bristell Classic 912iS (gliders up to 700 kg / 1,543 lbs), Classic 915iS (up to 800 kg / 1,764 lbs), Classic 916iS (up to 850 kg / 1,874 lbs), Bristell B23-915iS (up to 800 kg / 1,764 lbs) and Bristell B23-916iS (up to 850 kg / 1,874 lbs).
Initial climb at max continuous power, with the glider at the approved towing weight for that model: 3.6 m/s (714 fpm) on the Classic 915iS and Classic 916iS, 3.0 m/s (595 fpm) on the B23-915iS and B23-916iS, and 1.8 m/s (355 fpm) on the Classic 912iS.
Both — a fixed tow hook, available across the towing range, or an aircraft-mounted Tost tow winch, certified on the B23-915iS and the B23-916iS. Both are factory options.
It is a factory option on the aircraft price list — tell us your operation and we will quote the configuration.
Rotax engines run on unleaded MOGAS (min. 95 RON) or AVGAS 100LL — your tug isn't tied to leaded fuel.
The global Rotax service network maintains the engine, and Bristell supplies the AFM, AMM and illustrated parts catalogue plus factory parts for your own mechanics.
It is a two-seat aircraft your club can also fly for training and touring when it is not on the rope.
Yes — book a demo flight and we will arrange it with a factory or dealer aircraft near you.
Book a demo flightTell us your runway length, the gliders you tow and how often — we will come back with the right Bristell, the towing kit and a demo.
