Importance

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Abstract

An electromagnetic tow system for towing nonpowered ultralight aircraft that allows for towing under constant and controlled tow line tension using both pay-in and pay-out tow methods. An electric motor is mechanically connected to a winch holding the tow line and electrically connected to a power supply. When the line is paid out on tow, the motor is disconnected from its power supply and its non-field windings are shorted outright or connected through a resistor. As the motor's rotor rotates inside the motor's magnetic field (created by the motor's permanent magnets or powered stator windings) under the mechanical load of the towed aircraft, current is generated in the non-field windings of the motor, which creates braking torque opposing the mechanical rotation of the rotor and provides tow line tension. In a preferred configuration, a hub motor is used, with the winch drum side plates mounted directly onto the sides of the hub motor to serve as heat sinks cooling the motor; variable resistor is used to control the braking torque, plugging is available to increase braking torque when necessary, and the electromagnetic-braking-generated voltage and current are used to recharge the motor's portable power supply. The same motor is also used to rewind the tow line onto the spool as needed.

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First Claim