NOVA ELOWIN is ready for test mode

For many pilots, who do not have mountains at their doorstep, winch flying is an attractive alternative to get into the air. Long flights are also possible in the flatlands, as regularly demonstrated not only by our NOVA Team Pilots. However, the sometimes rough towing operations with classic petrol winches are not everyone's cup of tea. Especially in thermal conditions pilots and less experienced winch operators quickly feel overtaxed. Electric winches, which are easy to operate and automatically correct difficult situations, offer great advantages.

The perfect force for towing is the outstanding feature of ELOWIN, which is maintained regardless of wind and thermal conditions. The regulation is carried out fully automatically in fractions of a second without the intervention of the winch operator and enables safe towing without unpleasant jerking even in turbulent weather conditions. Starts can be dosed much better. Especially the unwanted jackrabbit start feared by lighter pilots can be prevented just as reliably as a very long take-off run with too little cable pull.  The power dosage can be done manually or semi-automatically according to the winch operator's instructions. The maximum release height can be achieved regularly by constantly maintaining the maximum permissible pulling force from the safety height over the entire tow.

Highly efficient, modern technology: The core element is a modern and power-saving brushless DC engine. In combination with highly efficient power controller from the automotive sector, many starts can thus be generated even from small batteries. The winch is controlled via digital interfaces and enables new operating concepts in addition to classic operation.  

Modular construction concept: The demand for towing winches ranges from individuals and small towing communities to large clubs and flight schools with very different requirements regarding design, towing capacity and price. The ELOWIN is therefore designed as a modular concept. One or more autonomous winch modules can be mounted on any suitable motor vehicle platform with a battery according to the customer's needs. The smallest module is the ELOWIN Solo. It can easily be attached to a trailer coupling. 

Flexible control options: the digital control interface enables different, mutually compatible winch guide concepts for all winch constellations, which can be changed at any time. The classic winch control is carried out on a control panel, which is either permanently mounted on the winch or, on hot days, placed next to the winch, e.g. on a camping table. The control from the launch site is also carried out at the control panel, which is then connected to the winch via a radio link. This offers comfort and safety advantages, especially on long towing distances or in training. The rope is either pulled in automatically or by an auxiliary person at the winch, who takes over the control for a short time after releasing. The control system with handheld radio control enables the winch operator to stand directly next to the pilot and thus take over the function of the launch leader, for example.

The self-tow with handheld radio control as a new mode of operation allows the pilot to control the towing procedure according to his own preferences without the assistance of a winch operator. Discussions between pilot, launch leader and winch operator are then a thing of the past. ELOWIN Solo can also be used as a single person, as the pilot is not dependent on a towing crew. Here we are working intensively with the DHV on a corresponding extension of the flight operation regulations.

With the ELOWIN winch concept NOVA wants to make all these advantages available to the broad community of winch pilots and also support new towing concepts. A prototype of ELOWIN is in operation since 2017. The first series-production units will be delivered soon. Stay tuned!

Technical Data