Since some time now, we have been working at full tempo on the development of a foot-launchable electric drive for paragliders, under the project name E-WALK...
Skywalk E-Walk - The Future Is Electric!
Since some time now, we have been working at full tempo on the development of a foot-launchable electric drive for paragliders, under the project name E-WALK.
First imagined purely as a vision in the 2010 MAGALOG, the project is now quickly approaching suitability for production! The big deal is: the motor will be integrated into a conventional, XC suitable harness! Protectors, rescue, everything is found in the usual place, and the comfort factor invites hour-long thermal flights. Supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics, this development meets the spirit of the times, away from fuel dependence, and the dreams of many flatland pilots who live miles from the nearest flight center.
Even in zero wind flatland conditions, the E-WALK 01/120 will bring a starting weight of 120 kg into the sky without a problem. In the last few weeks, we worked a lot on the thrust vector adjustment along with the propeller. Thanks to the highly competent assistance of Dr. Martin Hepperle as well as Helix, we now have a very good setup, making it possible to reach a ceiling of 450 - 700 m (according to start weight). But this time we are talking about an entirely different beast: the E-WALK allows for a huge radius on the hunt for thermals, completely different from a wind-dependent wing! A guaranteed ride to cloud base, so to say...because the thermals let you successfully use every meter of climb. Once inside the thermal, the propeller is shut off, the propeller folds back and thanks to the balanced weight distribution (battery is in front of the pilot), the pilot is underway with glider like normal!
The future is electric! More info to follow in the next newsletter and in the October DHV newsletter!
The skywalk E-WALK