DDIS craftsman Tom Saulnier welds on a 360 degree fairlead roller system. This allows unattended surveillance balloon launches regardless of the prevailing wind. The design, based on over 100 sketches by Curt, includes a 12 volt motor with 12 to 1 torque .
“This next generation portable winch should help us safely loft the tethered balloon payload to 900 ft from NYC rooftops or from the tow boat. I’m glad we are leaving a manual override handle since the pleasure of most flights is the joy of feeling the wind power in your hands” .
The new design will be tested on the Zodiac boat “Winds Aloft” above Pohick Bay this Summer.
“This next generation portable winch should help us safely loft the tethered balloon payload to 900 ft from NYC rooftops or from the tow boat. I’m glad we are leaving a manual override handle since the pleasure of most flights is the joy of feeling the wind power in your hands” .
The new design will be tested on the Zodiac boat “Winds Aloft” above Pohick Bay this Summer.
