Torpedo Position

For the Torpedo Launch method, please read the Torpedo Launch article.  The below article and video is about the torpedo position and it’s value for the running part of all launches.   The torpedo position is a powerful tool in all wind conditions.  It is used in the running portion of both forward and reverse launches after the pilot has made sure the wing is stable and it is time to accelerate to flying speed. It enables a lower center of gravity with a position that allows feel and adjustment of brake tension during the launch run.

Goals of the torpedo position:

• To get the upper torso in front of your legs so that they can better power and accelerate the body during the running portion of a launch.
• Without the torpedo position, power is limited and it is difficult to keep the brakes up.   The torpedo position allows you to have the brakes in a comfortable position with light or no tension during the launch run.
• To keep the body as close to the ground (loweer center of gravity) to allow running as long as possible during the launch acceleration.  The torpedo forces the wing to fully lift you off of the ground, when it has enough energy to do so.

Back in the early days of paragliding (late 80s to early/mid 90s) there was no such thing as a torpedo launch. For forward launches most pilots launched with their A risers in front of the shoulders and just leaned into them as the wing ascended. Following this, the pilots would run down the hill with a slight forward lean to the body, keeping the brakes as high as possible. Following a reverse inflation and turn transition (the turn from facing the wing to forward), the run and position was identical.

Running without a torpedo has tradeoffs. It is hard to lean forward and keep the brakes up all the way.
Without the lean, there is not as much power to accelerate.

Photo Credit to Andy Stocker

After a forward inflation or turn transition in a running reverse launch prior to dropping into the torpedo, make sure that the wing is not off to the side and is pitch stable. You can continue to steer and make minor adjustments in the torpedo, but it is better to make primary adjustments prior to dropping into the full torpedo position.

When you are ready to drop into the torpedo, transition your arms from a standard flying position to their being above and behind your back. To do this, keep your hands up and roll your elbows out as you bend your torso forward. (Prior to transition, see Picture A, After transition, see Picture C and D)

Note in the below photo:
Accentuated Forward Bend, Hands – Up and Back, Body Low to Ground…

Photo Credit to Andy Stocker

To get the full benefits from a torpedo, you have to bend fully forward at the waist. Yes, this position is a bit uncomfortable, but you get used to it. The goal is to fully load the glider and hang your upper torso on the waist belt of the harness. This helps to keep your center of gravity closer to the ground than running in a standard upright fashion. In this position, the wing will not be able to lift you away from the ground until you have reached the correct airspeed. In addition, the arms will be in the proper position to maintain the light touch that enables your senses to feel where and how much tension is on the brakes.

The hand position can be done a couple different ways in a torpedo. I prefer to turn my hands so that the fingers hold the brake toggles up, allowing the easiest access to getting the hands higher. I have also found that in this position, I can bend my elbows slightly to help this. It is also possible to just have the brakes in the palms of the hand with the knuckles up and still be able to release the brakes all the way up to trim (See Bottom Photo). Not everyone can do either position, so finding what works for you will require some practice.

Note that the fingers are up in this photo. To get the brakes up even further,
you can grab the bottom of the brake toggles with the tips of the fingers.

At the end of the launch until you are well clear of terrain, you should stay in the torpedo position. If you come back down a little, you will have your legs ready to resume running and have the power of the torpedo still.

Once in the air following a Torpedo launch, remain in the same position,
ready to run again should you come back down slightly.

Photo Credit to Andy Stocker

The reason the torpedo functions so well is quite simple. Basic physics dictates that to push a mass, you must have leverage to do so. Having the upper body in front of the legs is how we achieve this with the torpedo. Take a bowling ball and hold it straight above your head and try to accelerate. This demonstrates the need to have leverage to move a mass.

The torpedo also works when trying to get to the cliff edge when it is windy. Pilots who do not use the torpedo at a cliff launch in windy conditions will frequently have difficulty moving forward toward the cliff edge. In the upright position, they have little weight on their feet and there is no power in the legs to move them forward. When you have learned the torpedo and are in this situation, you can simply move into the torpedo position and will find moving forward is much easier. Needless-to-say, it is recommended to work on the position and technique at a location further from a cliff edge.

Other benefits of the torpedo are built in. With added power and ability to generate speed comes energy to correct the wing from gusts. The extra speed that is achieved results in higher pressure, energy and stability from the wing and this will get you away from the ground quicker and with more safety. Make sure that you do not lean forward, just bend at the waist and hang your weight on the waist belt for power.

Now, watch the below video and you will get some visual training: