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WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 03/2018

WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 03/2018

Reliable drive

Reliable drive technology in fascinating sea planes The amphibious aircraft Flywhale made from super-light fibre composite material can safely and reliably operate in all the three elements, i.e. land, water or in the air. These fascinating seaplanes manufactured in North Germany rely on drive technology from Faulhaber. Dötlingen in Lower Saxony, Germany is the headquarters of Flywhale Aircraft GmbH & Co KG, which was founded by Elke and Helmut Rind in 2012. “Our goal was to develop and market an ultra-light seaplane”, explains Helmut Rind. The team tinkered with the implementation of the Flywhale Adventure iS Sport for many months. This was followed by many tests. The result is an ultra-light amphibious aircraft which can take off and land on both water and land, and impresses with the high quality of its aerodynamics. Flywhale Aircraft GmbH is Germany’s only manufacturer of ultra-light seaplanes. “Our Flywhale is a modern flying boat with the latest engine technology and several special technical features”, elaborates Rind. “It provides plenty of room – and above all there is a high fun factor. It was created for adventurers who want to be independent.” However, the target groups are not just aviators with a passion for water, but also the coastguard and rescue services. The seaplane reaches a top speed of up to 200 kilometres per hour. The annual production that the company is targeting to achieve is 20 aircraft, and about 8 aircraft are currently being manufactured per year. Technically superior components from Faulhaber 01 Spindle mechanism for Nose gear The challenge for the drive manufacturers was that they must provide a high level of drive power for a short time and be as light as possible. Also, the landing gear movement must be able to take place both in the water and in the air. The system must therefore be extremely reliable. Because of their light weight, high power density MOTION AND DRIVES 24 WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 3/2018

and compact size, the Faulhaber components were extremely well suited for a job like this. Components from Faulhaber play an important part in crucial systems of the seaplanes, like lowering and raising the landing gear. One drive for the main landing gear and one drive for the nose gear are realized using Faulhaber products. The nose gear is moved by a spindle mechanism, the drive solution from Faulhaber ensures that the required rotation of the lead screw takes place. A drive unit is used which consists of a graphite-commutated series 2657CR DC motor, including an IE3-1024 Encoder and a type 32/3 S Planetary Gearhead. A type MCDC 3006 S RS controller completes the intelligent system. “The end positions for the status of the raised and lowered landing gear are determined by the encoder and controller, and are displayed in the cockpit as a signal using a green and blue control LED”, explains Michael Schütte, area sales manager at Faulhaber. “This means that we were almost able to dispense with an additional sensor system for end position detection altogether.” The nose gear is also equipped with a spring element which ensures that outstanding suspension comfort is provided. The two main landing gears are raised and lowered using a worm gear drive. The same Faulhaber drive as the one used for the nose gear is used at both sides. A screw which moves the landing gear via a gear segment is driven by Faulhaber gearhead type 32/3 S via the gearbox output shaft. Similarly to the nose gear, the end positions are detected accordingly via the encoder and the controller and displayed in the cockpit. 02 Graphite-commutated series 2657CR DC motor Expressing satisfaction on professional service As far as the people responsible for the Flywhale are concerned, it is not only technical reliability but also professional service that speaks in favour of Faulhaber motors. “We are delighted to collaborate with Faulhaber”, emphasises Helmut Rind. “The thing that Faulhaber and Flywhale have in common is that we are only satisfied with the best result.” Photographs: Teaser Peter Wolters, 01-02 Faulhaber GmbH & Co. KG www.faluhaber.com KG EMPTY WEIGHT: 342,5 KG MAX. TAKE-OFF WEIGHT: 517,5 KG (495 KG + 22,5 KG RESCUE SYSTEM) SEATS CABIN WIDTH: 1,20 M LENGHT: 7,0 M HEIGHT: 2,49 M SPAN WIDTH: 9,0 M CRUISING SPEED: 200 KM/H VNE: 250 KM/H STALL SPEED: 65 KM/H STORAGE SPACE: 50 L FUEL QUANTITY: 90 L RANGE: 7 H 03 Flywhale in numbers WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 3/2018 25

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