Flying fun with the Sky Glider over a breathtaking landscape

The Sky Glider of the company Alfred Rodlsberger, Stahl- und Maschinenbau GmbH from A-5721 Piesendorf, excites families, as well as the young and those young at heart, with a unique flying adventure. Whether the flight goes through forest aisles or is starting from a snowy summit cross, excitement and adrenaline are always present. This flying adventure of special class is powered by a WATT helical geared motor that ensures a secure run in a 100 Hz characteristic.

Drive concept:
The drive train of the fastest passenger cableway in the world (85km/h!) consists of a helical geared motor (150kW, 100Hz characteristic – see picture 2) that is driven by a frequency inverter and a wear-free brake system with brake resistor. Two redundantly built safety disc brakes with hydraulic ventilation at the drive disc allow mechanical braking should emergency braking be necessary. The connection between the gear shaft and drive disc is realised with an elastic connection coupling.

Technical data of the Sky Glider:
Flight length: 450 – 980 m
Cable sag: 12 – 36 m
Hight difference: 10 – 300 m
Acceleration: 2.5 m/s2
Max. deceleration: 4.5 m/s2
Descend: 85 km/h > 23m/sec
Capacity: 65 people / hour

Further design characteristics:
The tension is done hydraulically for the carrying- and pulling cable. The drive station can be installed on the mountain- or valley site. An automotive salvage car with a brake rounds off the safety concept. Pilz safety control, remote maintenance, TÜV (German association for technical inspection) certified.

Uncountable options like, e.g. illumination for night operation, instant picture equipment or membrane roofing are available as well.

WATT helical geared motor:
According to the operating conditions (depending on the operation site), the geared motors are equipped with various motor options of the modular motor concept of Watt Drive:

  • Encoder
  • Winding- and climate protection
  • Condensate drain hole
  • Viton seal ring on the motor shaft

The 2-stage helical gear is delivered with synthetic lubricant and special sealing on the gear output.
Technical data of the Sky Glider:

Flight length: 450 – 980 m
Cable sag: 12 – 36 m
Hight difference: 10 – 300 m
Acceleration: 2.5 m/s2
Max. deceleration: 4.5 m/s2
Descend: 85 km/h > 23m/sec
Capacity: 65 people / hour

Further design characteristics:
The tension is done hydraulically for the carrying- and pulling cable. The drive station can be installed on the mountain- or valley site. An automotive salvage car with a brake rounds off the safety concept. Pilz safety control, remote maintenance, TÜV (German association for technical inspection) certified.

Uncountable options like, e.g. illumination for night operation, instant picture equipment or membrane roofing are available as well.

Realised projects:
SKY GLIDER South Italy 2012 Flight length: 980m, airtime max. 45m
SKY GLIDER Iran, Langrood 2011 Flight length: 580m, airtime max. 16m
SKY GLIDER Iraq, Korek Mountain 2011 (picture 3) Flight length: 580m, airtime max. 16m
AIR ROFAN Achensee 2007 Flight length: 550m, airtime max. 56m
FISSER FLIEGER Fiss 2006 Flight length: 680m, airtime max. 40m
WILD EAGLE Hochsauerland 2005 Flight length: 500m, airtime max. 33m
SKY GLIDER Piesendorf 2002 Flight length: 300m, airtime max. 12m

About Watt Drive:
Watt Drive, founded 1972 is an Austrian technology company with its head office in the south of Vienna. It has specialised in products and system solutions for automation- and drive technique. Since Dec. 2011 Watt Drive is a part of the company WEG, one of the leading international manufacturers of electric motors. Watt Drive develops, produces and sells geared motors, three-phase motors and frequency inverters. With its motor- and gear system, it offers a modular combinable array of complete drive systems for production machines and industrial manufacturing plants. The Watt Drive group consists of subsidiaries in Germany, Singapore and Malaysia. Furthermore Watt Drive is represented by a close worldwide distribution- and sales network in all important industrial countries.