|
In Europe winch launching has been the main launching method since the beginning of flight. Winches offer a higher launch capacity in just a fraction of the cost of aerotow, making gliding an affordable sport for a wide public. The intenser use of gliders is very effective, leaving room for investments in modern fleets.
Did you know that on conventional winches 50% of the operational cost are spend on cable repair and replacement? Through research and extensive testing we have effectively reduced cable wear on Plasma cables.
What makes Hydrowinch stand out of the crowd? Where others still use conventional torque converters to drive the drums, we take advantage of the unique features of hydraulic drives:
| |
TORQUE CONVERTER |
HYDROWINCH |
| EFFICIENCY |
Low efficiency at low speed
Causes heat generation
Overheating with longer ropes |
Very high efficiency at low speed
Rope length unlimited |
| RIGIDITY |
No overload protection |
Overload protected |
| FLIGHT SAFETY |
Weak links can break
1 - with aggressive throttle input
2 - when entering a thermal |
Electronic force control
prevents these failures |
LAUNCH SPEED TOO HIGH
|
To reduce lauch speed:
Action 1 - Signal "too fast"
Action 2 - Reduce engine throttle
Winch driver controls launch speed
|
To reduce launch speed:
Action - Pilot pulls stick
Pilot in control of launch speed |
| LAUNCH SPEED TOO LOW |
To increase launch speed:
Action 1 - Nose down
Action 2 - Increase engine throttle
Winch driver controls launch speed |
To increase launch speed:
Action - Ease (push) stick
Pilot in control of launch speed |
| RELEASE HEIGHT |
Typical release height = 1200 ft.
With 3500 ft. rope |
Gains 10% by acceleration
Gains 10% in climb
Gains 10% by optimized controls system |
|
