BACKGROUND

VLFFS uses wind energy as a reliable propulsion power. As shown in Figure 1, the kite can be flown at altitude ranges that a traditional sail can not achieve. Under most situations the wind speed increases exponentially with increasing altitude, therefore the VLFFS can be used to achieve optimum speeds.

Figure 1: Use of Wind at High Altitudes

The increase in stability provided is also notably significant. Traditional sail boats experience a heeling moment causing the vessel to tilt. When equipped with a traction kite, the force a ship experiences has an upward and side component.   The upward component, called the lifting force, generates an upward moment as shown in figure 2. This moment counteracts the heeling moment and provides a higher degree of stability.

Figure 2: Lifting force on traction kite