Odd Application for a 12v
#1
Odd Application for a 12v
I would like to build a winch to tug 15 to 20 meter gliders into the air. 350 to 400 HP is about ideal, and slow spool-up is NOT a problem (actually a plus).
Is it reasonable to expect to reliably get that kind of power out of a P-pumped 12v without internal mods (like super studs and o-rings)? Duty cycle would be power on for about 2 minutes, with 5 - 10 minutes between launches. One nice thing is that it doesn't have to fit in a pickup truck size engine box.
TIA
Is it reasonable to expect to reliably get that kind of power out of a P-pumped 12v without internal mods (like super studs and o-rings)? Duty cycle would be power on for about 2 minutes, with 5 - 10 minutes between launches. One nice thing is that it doesn't have to fit in a pickup truck size engine box.
TIA
#3
It would be mounted to a trailer. Although I was considering finding a beat/rusted out Truck 12v Auto trans 4x4 and using the main drive shaft to power the winch. It could be disengaged for movement, and the truck put in 4wd, then driven as a front wheel drive vehicle the short distance to our lauch site. I still like that idea, (even though the 'driver' would be facing the wrong direction) but also really like idea of having lots of space of an un-covered motor.
#5
http://www.hydrowinch.com/site/
Last edited by Grider Pirate; 08-06-2009 at 01:11 PM. Reason: add link
#7
I can't access YouTube from here, but if you go to YouTube and search "Glider Winch Launch" I think you'll find several.
I've never winch launched, but our club does "auto" tows a couple times a year. It IS pretty cool to pitch up to a 45 degree climb and kite up into the sky. From talking to other pilots who HAVE winch launched it's similar, but much quicker. We do our auto-towing on a nearby dry lakebed, and with my truck, the limiting factor is traction. I have to be in 4WH to provide adequate acceleration for a safe launch. It's a lot of fun, but I spend the next 3 weeks cleaning my truck!
I've never winch launched, but our club does "auto" tows a couple times a year. It IS pretty cool to pitch up to a 45 degree climb and kite up into the sky. From talking to other pilots who HAVE winch launched it's similar, but much quicker. We do our auto-towing on a nearby dry lakebed, and with my truck, the limiting factor is traction. I have to be in 4WH to provide adequate acceleration for a safe launch. It's a lot of fun, but I spend the next 3 weeks cleaning my truck!
Last edited by Grider Pirate; 08-06-2009 at 01:36 PM. Reason: Correcting typo
#8
#10
Thanks again.