On Mar 13, 10:03*am, sisu1a wrote:

I want to know more about these hybrid engines in the 140-200 hp range
that would revolutionize glider towing as we know it... * *Anyone have

Paul -

I think it would only revolutionize towing if you could either quickly
recharge the cells, or if they had INCREDIBLE capacity! Towing is a
repetitive action that requires a high power output for several
minutes at a time (which translates to a fast discharge, hard on
batteries)... I hate to say it, but I think the physics of an
aerotowing operation mean that it'll be one of the last things that
battery power would be applicable to.

Now winches (especially one that has a serial hybrid drive like the
Chevy Volt) might be another story... Batteries are used extensively
to power R/C glider winches already, and while the draw/load is still
very high, its a much shorter duration than an aerotow.

Nevertheless, I'm psyched about any and all _real-world_ advances in
electric propulsion. Disconnecting "work" or power output from the
source (using electricity as an efficient middle-man) frees up the
national/global infrastructure to adapt more readily to whatever power-
generation system works out to be the best!

Take care,

--Noel