Which towing configuration uses eight bridles?

• A. Forward MLG towing
• B. Nose landing gear towing
• C. Aft MLG towing
• D. Main landing gear towing

Answer: (A)

Bridles are used to distribute the tug forces across multiple attachment points so the aircraft tracks true and protection is kept on the gear during towing. When you tow from the forward main landing gear, the pull acts behind the nose area and creates more three‑axis load (especially yaw and pitch tendencies) than towing from a closer, more centralized point. To keep the airplane stable and prevent any gear from overloading or the aircraft from veering off line, you attach multiple bridles to several points around the forward main gear and nearby structure. That multi-point connection spreads the load evenly, provides redundancy, and controls twisting moments as the tow tractor applies force.

Because of this geometry and the need to manage those loads in all directions, eight bridles are required in forward main landing gear towing to ensure precise steering, alignment, and safe motion of the aircraft during the tow. Other configurations pull from points closer to the center of gravity or involve fewer attachment points, so they don’t require as many bridles.