Enerkite: Successful test of the new lattice shell wing design

In the simulations, the wings have been sweeping across the screens for months. Bit by bit, aerodynamic and flight mechanics data from computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel measurements on models, and "real-life" flight tests have been combined into a computer model for the simulations. This model was used to gradually adapt and improve the existing autopilot software.

The autopilot must also master unforeseen situations

The crux: In "real life," nature has surprises in store: gusts, wind holes, thermals, three-dimensional effects. All these phenomena have significant impact but cannot often be predicted or even measured. The wing must safely navigate through all these unforeseen conditions, which requires a stably flying wing and robust control. Therefore, everything depends on the autopilot, as corrective human interventions are not possible due to the demanding control in rotary flight. And it turns out that the extensive work and thorough preparation have paid off...

Premiere for the high-performance wing in lattice shell construction

On April 26, 2024, the time had finally come: One of the most important test flights in EnerKíte's company history took place in Rhinow-Stölln. For the first time, an EnerKíte high-performance wing in lattice shell construction was used in flight testing. According to EnerKíte, the conditions were “anything but ideal.” With strong fluctuating winds between 2 and 6 Beaufort, it was actually not a day for a maiden flight, as one would usually choose ideal conditions for such premieres, particularly as steady winds as possible. Nevertheless, they took off and succeeded!