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Products
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The launch and recovery system manages the deployment and lowering of the towing kite. It is installed on the forecastle and consists of a telescopic mast with reefing system which unfurls and reefs the kite respectively during the launch and recovery process.
A coupling mechanism connects the towing kite with the mast adapter attached to the launch and recovery mast. The towing kite is stored in the kite storage on the forecastle.
Force transmission point, launch and recovery system as well as the kite storage are all included in a single component – the SkySails Arrangement Module (SAM) – that is integrated on the forecastle.
During launch, the telescopic mast raises the towing kite - which is folded like an accordeon - from the kite storage. Subsequently, the telescopic mast extends to its maximum height. The towing kite then unfolds to its full size and can be launched. The winch releases the towing rope until operating altitude has been reached.
The recovery process is performed in the reverse order of the launch. The winch retracts the towing rope and the towing kite docks on the launch and recovery mast. The towing kite is then reefed. The telescopic mast retracts and the towing kite is stowed in the kite storage along with the control pod.
The entire launch and recovery procedure is carried out largely automatically and lasts approx. 10 - 20 mins each.
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 - Launch of the towing kite
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