I think the difference isn't so much height gained, but back calculating
to horsepower based on a 1 "G" acceleration at the start of the launch.
I've flown off a Supacat and while it had good acceleration, it sure
didn't match up to the whopper of a winch that was built by the permian
soaring association. Talk about a zippy launch!

http://members.cox.net/tsample10/SpecialProjects.html

By the way, I think this "unified winch design" concept is a really
great move.



If you have a diesel driving through a fluid flywheel you don't need
that much power: we have a Supacat with a 245 hp Deutz V8 aircooled
industrial diesel and torque converter (no gearbox). This can launch
an ASH-25 or just about any Nimbus. With a 15 m glider, K-21 or Grob
you'd expect 1200-1400 ft on a 1000m run in calm conditions and over
2000 ft if its blowing a bit.

I'd agree with everything you've said about the specialised nature of
a glider winch, the heavy duty engineering and the costs.

--
martin@ : Martin Gregorie
gregorie : Harlow, UK
demon :
co : Zappa fan & glider pilot
uk :