Towing Kite - Pulling Force
Pulling force of a towing kite at cruise conditions - for SkySails-style auxiliary propulsion assessment.
Pulling force
247.0kN
Formula, assumptions, and limits
$$F = \tfrac{1}{2} \rho_a C_L A (3V)^2$$
Kite flying in upper-air dynamic figure-of-eight pattern achieves apparent wind ~3× true wind (SkySails claim). Requires deck-mounted launch/recovery mast and autopilot integration.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| $A$ | Kite projected area | m² | maker spec |
| $V$ | True wind speed | m/s | anemometer |
| $C_L$ | Lift coefficient | - | kite datasheet |
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