What is the effect of increasing the turning radius during aircraft towing on stress to the tow bar?

Increasing the turning radius during aircraft towing reduces the stress on the tow bar. A larger turning radius results in a more gradual change in direction, minimizing the lateral forces acting on the tow bar. Sharp turns with tight turning radii create higher stresses on the tow bar due to the increased angular acceleration and the resistance of the aircraft's inertia. These stresses can exceed the tow bar's design limits, potentially leading to failure or damage. By using a larger turning radius, the forces are distributed more evenly, reducing the risk of overstressing the tow bar and ensuring a smoother, safer towing operation. Therefore, planning towing routes with wide turns is crucial to minimizing stress on the tow bar.