At 09:54 14 March 2009, Markus Gayda wrote:
How about using the propeller as a generator on the way down?
Recharge the battery. (of course you cant do that with a static prop)

How about using the engine to run the generator on the way down? This
strikes me as one of the few advantages of the hybrid arrangement for a
towplane - give the engine something to do on the way back down. Load it
up, keep it working, keep it hot. Come down faster without worrying about
shock cooling an aircooled tug engine.

I also agree that this requires a prohibitively heavy battery array, but
with improving battery technology it might eventually work.

Oh, wait, wait, how about flywheel energy storage? Now *there's* a fun
idea - just *think* of the entertaining gyroscopic effects.

Jim Beckman