The thrust and torque cells installed. There is major piece missing on the rear of the assembly -- the 'paddle' which transfers torque from the axle to the hub through those two load cells. That component is my next milling project ... this evening.
In 2009 we set out to conclusively answer the following question... Can a vehicle be built which can go directly downwind, faster than the wind (DDWFTTW), powered only by the wind, steady state? On 3 July 2010 we established a world record by going directly downwind at 2.8 times the true wind speed with the Blackbird. Now we have begun to modify the Blackbird with the intention of going directly UP-wind faster than the wind - steady state.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Getting closer.
A shot of the thrust plate with the three load cells mounted radially. There is a thrust bearing which will press against these cells.

The thrust and torque cells installed. There is major piece missing on the rear of the assembly -- the 'paddle' which transfers torque from the axle to the hub through those two load cells. That component is my next milling project ... this evening.
The thrust and torque cells installed. There is major piece missing on the rear of the assembly -- the 'paddle' which transfers torque from the axle to the hub through those two load cells. That component is my next milling project ... this evening.