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Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 14:50:24 -0700
To: "Rotary motors in aircraft" <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
From: "BillDube@killacycle.com" <billdube@killacycle.com>
Subject: Thoughts on an Alternate Alternator
In-Reply-To: <list-990278@logan.com>
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	It occurred to me that for those among us with retractable gear, a 
wind-powered alternator might be an interesting approach to a back-up power 
source.

	You could rig the standard wind-powered generator/alternator (like 
Ward-Aero) to the gear leg of a retractable landing gear. When you deploy 
the gear, the generator is put in the wind and produces power. When you 
retract the gear, the generator is tucked away and is not producing drag.

	The back-up generator would be on-line during the most critical portions 
of the flight, during take-off and landing. You could deploy the generator 
during flight by simply dropping the gear if there were a problem with the 
primary generator.

	Alternatively, if you are considering some sort of custom air brake, 
perhaps you could incorporate a wind generator in it.

	Hmm, with the increasing number of all-electric airplanes out there, a 
combo air brake back-up alternator might sell pretty well.

	Just a thought,

Bill Dube'