Will this be the best paramotor propeller in the world? Variomatic propeller

[@EvilKen01]

I gotta say I’m really impressed with the work that the scout team is putting in to bettering this sport. Thank you

[@carsonc1272]

After being a hang glider pilot for two and a half decades I realize that innovation in this field is very slow. So I really appreciate something like this. Awesome job!

[@SCOUTaviation]

I respectfully disagree. Gliders of today are way better than 10 years ago. Several engine manufacturers have developed EFI and are very close to market launch. There are more and more paramotor frames well designed and engineered. There are some nice projects in electronics and headsets. This sport is going the right way I think.

[@carsonc1272]

@@SCOUTaviation That's really good but we will have to agree to disagree. And I suppose that a lot of little things do add up to big things, but what I see is that there was nothing that prevented this propeller from being invented 20 years ago. It's great work and I'm not trying to diminish the accomplishment but the technology was there waiting for someone to put it together. R&D budgets in our community are almost nothing and the people with skill and drive to advance our sport are somewhat limited due to a low amount of people within the sport. In 1992 the Swift had a 25:1 glide... Today it has a 27:1 glide. Only 2 additional glide points! I'm guessing that the tech to do better has been here for 10 or more years and finally next year we will see the Swift 3 with a glide in the low 30:1 range. I had a first gen hybrid wing that was first built around 1999 and had a 17:1 glide. To my knowledge the Atos still hasn't cracked 20:1 20 years later. Big advancements are rare and slow and usually by the time it is integrated into our sport the tech has been there for decades. I've read enough articles to suggest that right now there's a silicone anode battery out there that has 10 times the capacity of current lithium and makes gas for flying obsolete. But it isn't viewed as commercially viable due to "only" having 300 cycles. That doesn't cut it for a car but that's a decade of flying for many pilots. We don't have enough people out there looking for these things and implementing them. So it will be another decade before we see a comparable battery actually hit our sport when in reality we could be using it right now. This is why I feel like this sport moves incredibly slow...

[@tommurchi6552]

This is fantastic! As a variable prop flight engineer I really appreciate the efficiency benefits or variable pitch props, especially in the world of paramotors and its weight limitations.

[@jonathanjaffe8897]

Tom, do you have any commentary on the passively variable pitch prop that's been used on low HP UAVs, made by Aerovate? I realize that Aerovat'es design is focused on increasing speed range while Miro's design is intended for fuel economy, but as a variable prop flight engineer, I'd be interested in hearing your insights. For reference, a video on Aerovate's passive prop is available at kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaWkhqywbdeUl5I

[@tommurchi6552]

@@jonathanjaffe8897 Hi Jonathan, thanks for sending the link. The Aerovate variable pitch prop system appears to have the necessary safety features (pitch lock) and it uses the same (spring/CG sensor) technologies that have been around for some time, as echoed in the comments. The blade shape and twist appear to be designed for efficiency on smaller aircraft. Wonder if they plan on a developing a larger system to be used on a constant speed powerplants - reducing maintenance and complexity. I enjoy seeing the innovations that come with new materials and fabrication processes !

[@MrVigorra]

As a paramotor pilot and UAV design engineer I'm really impressed with this technology as It is a plug and play item that requires no changes in the paramotor operation and provides amazing fuel save. Wish the best for the fine design and production of the product.

[@GUCR44]

I am a private pilot and have been around airplanes my whole life.. At the beginning of the video I was guessing prop angles and guessed 12 percent for power and 33 percent for cruise..... Wow I was way off! Hahaha great idea! Thanks for the videos!

[@PPGMatt]

As a paramotor pilot and Millwright by trade this is a fascinating and amazing feat to see being brought to real life! Hope to try one out on my Scout someday!

[@daverohn383]

I've been in engineering for nearly 50 years. To get something to work on the first try is like finding the Golden Challis. It never happens. Kudos to you! I hope to be flying with this prop soon!

[@tomcoryell]

As someone who loves both aviation and engineering innovation, I tip my hat to you! This is genius and will be adopted at many levels I bet.

[@pedrosm9081]

These videos where you can see the continuous research work is what make me proud to belong to the Scout family. Always innovating!!! God job Miro and Stefan 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@luisalbertogoenagapena5938]

Hey Miroslav, you are the genius of the paramotor science. The Scout R&D is awesome. Keep going with innovation.

[@jeffgoin]

Ingenious. Air pressure. LOVE it!

[@SCOUTaviation]

Thank you Jeff. This means a lot. From you.

[@markbrown-us4xe]

I confused my flight instructor by asking for a wing that could change in flight to do what you have invented. Level flight at lower r.p.m. Never thought of a two speed prop. Your way ahead of this farm boy. Thanks!

[@anthonyburke5656]

Congratulations, give Stephan a big thanks, it’s his sort of person that makes a difference

[@SCOUTaviation]

couldn't agree more

[@garthlee5517]

I knew this would be possible and I am glad you are pursuing it! Looking forward to trying one out and having less noise while cruising.

[@richardwelch2745]

I love this! (But I have to point out that the ground start without the paramotor being secured at around the 9:00 mark was unfortunate.)

[@ezrarichardson279]

This seems like a really cool concept!

[@n8slittleworld]

So exciting guys!!! You were the first person I watched when I was getting into the sport and I loved how you share the technical science side of this sport. Keep working towards your goals, this community loves you all for it!!!

[@SCOUTaviation]

Please keep comments like this coming. It is rewarding for the whole team. Thank you. Sometimes I print screenshots of such feedback and show them to the guys in the workshop. They totally deserve it.

[@josephmufdi4564]

That would be a fantastic innovation for part 103 ultralight too.

[@WoutervanTiel]

what I was thinking, making that measly 5 gallon tank last forever.

[@awayaloft3475]

Respect for innovation! I already invented this but never made it, probably a lot of us have. I just want one. Nice work team.

[@garrykennedy5484]

I thought the same thing. Too heavy and complicated, I was wrong. Good for these guys that perfected it!

[@skulisveinsson]

Amazing!!! Miro you have done it once again!!!

[@rajeevshagun7409]

Excellent idea bro , Sprigs keeps it on 13° angle and higher RPM may push the blade pitch to 10° ...great .

[@Auger3504]

Amazed that it is only 2 degrees difference to see real benefits. Of course everyone will want to know, how much? Will it really be worth the extra cost, or will it become one of those, "It's cool, I have it" status items? Before you even get to production, people will be asking for one for different engines and different RPM's

[@Auger3504]

@@firstbloood1 I understand what you mean, but can your bladder last 5 hours? I suspect most guys would just load slightly less fuel for reduced weight. Also, even if 33% is true, that's only at cruise, so results may vary, depending on pilot behavior.

[@huepix]

Love your work. Keep it up. I never thought we'd see a variable pitch prop light enough to use on PPG

[@jerryclement886]

I'm excited 😊 for you and the ppl that benefit from this.. I'm thinking of getting into this bit on the fence with it

[@parsmedberg5384]

Thanks for pushing the limits with your innovative ideas. That propeller combined with the EOS 240. Then your really on to something! I’m testing the EOS 240 and it’s really efficient with a standard propeller.

[@mikebrady2073]

Congratulations. Job well done!

[@WebberAerialImaging]

Amazing work! Love to see Scout always innovating!

[@taiga4766]

I love your company. Cant wait to get my license and my scout.

[@danelobe2524]

Yes !! Finally I can have it all out of my prop... Y E S ! ! ! . Awesomeness

[@torrypope3218]

This looks to be a great start to an awesome product! I currently fly an HE MV1 that uses 2.89 reduction and the same bolt pattern as a Moster,if this new prop fits this would be a great addition for some long XC flights.

[@faithexplorers1]

LOVE it!! Great job guys. I think it is brilliant!

[@jacquesnuttall]

Mate, True Genius... Australia salutes you!

[@SharkyintheSky]

The innovation coming from you and your team pushes our sport further toward perfection. Thanks for the hard work and for sharing your discoveries with us. I’m looking forward to better fuel economy. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks

[@NCPPGpilot]

Being a GA pilot for years before I ever heard of a paramotor, I've often wondered why a variable pitch prop hasn't come along yet for a paramotor. Being a journeyman tool & die maker and designer, I've imagined pitch to be controlled quite similarly as a possibility, but no interest in pursuing it as it would be a mountain of R&D. Glad that you're taming that bull and looking forward to the eventuality. 🖖😉

[@samj1185]

It seems the systems manuf. by Ivoprop and Viking Aircraft could be 'minimized' to work w/ PPG? Very inventive design by Scout though!

[@jasongajentan643]

I'd pay good money for that spreadsheet! I fly powered hang gliders ("trike planes" here in the US) and would love to try to adapt this to a heavier, more powerful aircraft. I have the design & machining skills, but it would take me forever to come anywhere close on the needed calculations. Kudos guys! Beautiful, functional design.

[@StanBarankiewicz]

Really love these technical videos, and your willingness to share, so cool!

[@MikeTuason]

Amazing! I hope you guys will have it available for those who wants it soon.

[@jimmym2719]

That is absolutely awesome 👏. thanks for sharing 💕

[@davidnickerson1157]

Brilliant!!! Thanks for keeping at it!

[@bullvine2062]

Congratulations in your endeavours to go forward in paramotor development and engineering..fantastic work, can't wait to see the end product.

[@cjfazio3012]

Awesome engineering 33% is nuts!

[@abelferia1]

I have always admired your dedication and expertise, but this time you guys knock it out of the park with this one. Congratulations on your hard work and perseverance hope to own one sometime in the future.

[@kimjongryan9043]

Genius, I'm excited about this one!

[@AndreBandarra1]

Great stuff, well done Scout!

[@wesvasher]

Amazing. Really hoping this can make it to production!

[@huffpappy]

Excellent work! This is a game changer.

[@DanielJonesParamotor]

Love the R&D gone into this. 800 rpm drop is huge.

[@SCOUTaviation]

550 RPM reduction actually But we may try even steeper pitch With ground-adjustable 13 was maximum we could do due to loss of peak power and increase of temperatures. With Variomatic we do not have those problems.

[@DanielJonesParamotor]

@@SCOUTaviation ok 550 rpm, but that’s still what like 1+ LPH less fuel burn? 😍

[@SCOUTaviation]

@@DanielJonesParamotor in-flight consumption test video being edited right now.

[@DanielJonesParamotor]

@@SCOUTaviation looking forward to it 👍

[@WyckedEntertainment]

This is really cool guys. I really appreciate the perspective and can't wait for more videos out of you guys :)

[@SCOUTaviation]

More to come! In-flight fuel consumption test video is in edit now.

[@ferenclobmayer9034]

Miro! Are you the BIGER! :-) Con gratulation!

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

I'd love to see a 3- Blade version of this design. Great Work Miro!

[@SCOUTaviation]

Why? We did tests with 3-blades and we did not find any relevant benefits. The sound was much better though. Like moto GP bikes.

[@dbtest117]

The fewer blades the more effective. There can be other benefits with more blades but it’s not efficiency.

[@isaacwolfbauer9888]

@@SCOUTaviation This guy hates money.

[@zdark2light194]

Wonderful Engineering ... Looking forward to the release

[@TONYPARAMOTOR]

excellent idea... advancement .knowledge can go a long long way... just needs testing.... thumbs up .

[@lizardtech]

This is genuine engineering! Great Work, congrats! I'm thinking to buy one scout nowadays..

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*GOOD ON 'YA!*

[@rikig88]

vari-o-matic, reminds me of the cessna marketing department naming practices, love it and certainly will buy it

[@SCOUTaviation]

Variomatic was the name of the first CVT transmission in the late 1950s. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variomatic

[@turkeyphant]

Love the idea of using aerodynamics to automatically change the pitch. But how much does the prop weigh?

[@mamatuja]

Hey Miro. Propeller pitch is not specified in degrees but In forward distance traveled per revolution by design. (Essentially propeller is an air screw.) Pitch angles are specified for fixed wings. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[@SCOUTaviation]

You cannot set that distance with a tool. For adjusting the pitch you need a number that you can actually measure. the angle at 75% off the prop radius is used. For that you can use and protractor.

[@mamatuja]

@@SCOUTaviation Yes I understand that. For a while I'm trying to find out what is the pitch of a regular parameter propeller. No one seems to be able to tell me that information. Could you tell me what is the pitch of the propeller that you sell with your scout parameter? Thanks

[@dylanm4339]

What an amazing innovation!

[@petrnovak3732]

Dobrá práce .. vypadá to moc dobře.. držím palce v dalším postupu

[@makentor]

good job guys and thx for the detailed explanation to under stand the concept which really worth it.

[@DAVINCYGLIDERS_PT]

Excellent work.

[@samj1185]

Very inventive. Have you seen the system manuf. by Viking Aircraft? Probably no need for their degree of adjustability but their design is simple also. Ivoprop has another simple design.

[@jasb78]

You could get more aggressive by using a dual stage spring. You have a lighter spring mounted on a heavier spring.

[@CalebJohnsonlivingca]

Respect for innovation! Chow!

[@thomasnappo6309]

This is amazing..but lm afraid to find out what this will cost...will it be an upgrade to engine..or..standard prop when you purchase engine..hmmm

[@michroz]

Wow! Great news! Thank you for doing this. Technically, I think there must be a single spring to operate the pitch of both half-props. Two springs are inevitably different and will produce different pitch at certain RPM range. Unless there is a "flip-flop" effect and only two positions with no intermediate. Best of luck to you!

[@michroz]

(Maybe you could do the spring arms going along the main motor/propeller axis and a single spring in-between the arms, which will equally push both halfs.)

[@SCOUTaviation]

We have designed it this way to have it fully adjustable. With this system it is very easy to change springs and we tested more than 10 different springs at maybe 30 different pre-load settings. We have both blades linked together so that they move simultaneously. Yes, maybe the final design would have just one spring. we will see.

[@michroz]

@@SCOUTaviation Oh, if the blades do move simultaneosly, then the number of springs doesn't matter: each spring actually controls both blades! And more: each adjustment screw then also adjusts both blades! Great. With 2 different springs you can then actually have 2 different ranges! Great! I will be looking forward to have one of such props for my CorsAir Black Bull. Thank you!

[@LukasKuhelj]

Thank you guys for constantly changing the sport for the better! The whole community benefits so much from your passion & ingenuity! I am totally going to buy this prop as soon as it comes out! Just curious what the long time testing will show. Maybe we have to change the springs / their settings once in a while since they maybe will be affected by fatigue. Or maybe the forces are so low that the springs are not affected at all. Anyways: I love it!

[@Chris-Fennimore]

Looks great, guys. Very cool 👍😎👍

[@miguro10]

Prerobiť na jednu pružinu a prepákovať na druhú stranu aby sa minimalizovala chyba rozdielnej sily pružiny prípadne nastavenia.... ale inak výborná konštrukcia

[@AdrianLeviAU]

Looking forward to seeing these developed for Polini Thor 250 ;-)

[@IvanMilocco]

Great job guys!!

[@mixed_by_pgee]

Wow! Very good idea! I think this is the future!

[@chrisbjohannsen]

Incredible innovation!!! Keep it coming.

[@doubledeeeeeeez]

Cool concept. Question. What if a spring fails in flight? Asymetric thrust? Also, I've had my own Idea for a prop, just have not pitched it to the right folks yet. Think Submarine. 5 bladed but with attached points at the tips for adding 5 hoop segments or annular hoop design. 5 blades cut down on harmonics, ie vibrations. and the hoop will forever eliminate line snags. no more lines wrapped up in the prop or nicked by the tips. also tip vortices cause drag.....the prop I propose would eliminate tip vortices, because airflow would be deflected back once it hit the annular ring. There are some top secret subs out there running deep with these props right now......

[@SCOUTaviation]

The blades are linked and operate simultaneously, you can see it at 6:40 A duct would help for sure

[@doubledeeeeeeez]

@@SCOUTaviation Ok. I see, if one spring fails it's just less resistance. Both arms still move in synchro. You mention duct, but that's not exactly what I'm talking about. The system you have on the carbon scout is sort of a duct already. I'm describing more of a hoop that spins around with the prop tips. It does not need to be mounted in a fan shroud like a carbon scout has. It could be mounted on say a parajet maverick and still have the same effect. Also the annular ring I'm thinking of would not be as wide as your scout duct but more of about a 1 inch wide ring segment that attached at the blade tips using either a snap in design or with hardware/ countersunk screws etc. Have a look at this vid at 16:06 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5i2dnyfib9khsk

[@fwkb2]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing the story, very fun & interesting video.

[@rattenmike]

Big respect, to you guys.... I gonna need one ...

[@Leesbiz52]

Great idea. Congrats.

[@brunodesousa3772]

This is amazing!! Well done guys! Always innovating and best of all. Keeping it simple👌🏼🤯

[@RunIntoTheSkyNonprofit]

I would love to have one of these

[@kostashellas]

Nice innovative idea; looking forward to it. Just a little comment: the age and the temperature conditions impacting the springs constant strength; maybe a centrifugal counterweight is more suitable for this application, just a thought.

[@coryshook7648]

I see this is a year old now. I think this is so very impressive. This should be standard. Factory certify the things and have them on every PPG as a stock prop. catch up to fixed wing standards.

[@SCOUTaviation]

In production now

[@jwilliams2000492]

Awesome research and development. One question I have is will cold temperatures affect the spring? So will you have to adjust the spring for winter flying? I love the constant development from you guys!

[@SCOUTaviation]

We will see, now we tested in winter at cold temperatures (video in edit right now). Spring is coming so we will know better.

[@BazilRat]

Have you thought about a constant-speed prop?

[@MitchG]

The only concern I have is the use of a 2 spring design that allows a failure to leave one prop at a higher pitch than the other. Maybe you could use one larger spring centered on the hub and linkages that extend to the pitch horns of the props so that they both must always change pitch at the same time

[@SCOUTaviation]

The blades are linked and move simultaneously. You can see that in few clips in the video at 6:38

[@VerticalMusings]

As an aerospace engineer, this is interesting. Curious if a single spring set will allow users of vastly different weight to tune the "shift" point? I imagine you don't know this yet but what will the spring change interval be? That might have to be meaningfully long. Also, it might be good to have a way for the end user to tighten the spring to a particular measured length so that they don't have to guess where their optimal position will be. At least that way, most users can use it without much adjustment. Also, how does it fail? If the spring mechanism broke, what happens? I am sure you all have thought through many possibilities on this by now. It is definitely an interesting idea.

[@SCOUTaviation]

The blades are linked and they operate simultaneously. you can see at at 6:40 in the video. If one spring breaks than both blades would be held by one spring only which is not enough and the prop would shift to 10 degrees. Just like a standard prop. We do not say this is the final design. This was designed in a way that everything is adjustable. We even had shock absorbers to eliminate eventual fluttering (did not happen). The final design can be simplified now that we know what springs and settings we need.

[@VerticalMusings]

@@SCOUTaviation Thanks for the explanation. It is exciting to see you all go after bringing better technology to our sport. There are definitely a lot of ideas out there that can improve it but they are often applied to multi-million dollar/euro aircraft. It is definitely a tricky endeavor given the price points and quantities constraining the industry. I look forward to seeing your design evolve over time. Good luck!

[@rainmaker27minecraft]

Super excited for this new technology, following along for sure! Thank you for not accepting the status quo 👍🏼

[@FlyingByDave]

Great to see an idea pursued, and the reward of success. Are you guys considering any designs for a 3-bladed version -- If I had a paramotor I'd prefer a 3-blade prop behind me, based on the same reasons why Wind Turbines are using 3 blades. Cheers.

[@rwhirsch]

i remember ages ago seeing a scimitar prop that was shaped such that it did a similar thing...higher rpm's would make the prop twist slightly to decrease the angle. this was a shape and materials problem rather than a spring...i'm sure the spring solution is far more accurate.

[@michaelkennedy2528]

I can see the neatness of the variable pitch prop, but why not design a smaller version of the CVT transmission (variable pullies) to vary the speed of the prop? The springs in the pullies can be changed to get faster or slower response. It would give you the grunt/speed for take off but reduce the speed of the engine to save fuel.

[@SCOUTaviation]

Yes. That would most probably work too.

[@50xChallenge]

Outstanding. I have projects I would love to use this on!!

[@SCOUTaviation]

[e-mail]

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

SWEET PROP!!!

[@zsebi66]

Great idea, and good courage ! I am a bit concerned about the screws and springs for centrifugal force and screw shear strength.

[@SCOUTaviation]

yes, we were too🙂

[@ikay2102]

Just amazing!!

[@NavidSaleki]

Awesome, well done guys!

[@coriscotupi]

06:10 - "The in-flight adjustment is done by the pilot from the cabin" ==> Not quite. The pilot adjusts the propeller propeller control to achieve the desired engine (and prop) RPM. The propeller pitch itself is fully automatic. Airplane pilots do not have direct control control of pitch (except for feathering and reverse). Rather, it is the propeller governor that controls pitch, and will continuously vary the prop pitch to maintain the selected RPM in various flight regimes. If the prop is turning at say 2300 RPM in cruise and the the airplane suddenly gains airspeed during a dive, the pitch is AUTOMATICALLY increased do maintain 2300 rpm, without pilot intervention. What the pilot actually does is use the propeller control to select best RPM for each scenario. Say, full RPM for take-off, 2500 RPM for climb and 2300 for cruise. The propeller governor will automatically command whatever prop pitch is necessary to maintain those selected RPMs without any further intervention from the pilot. The key here is that the pilot does NOT control propeller pitch. Rather, he chooses a desired RPM and the governor controls the pitch to maintain that desired RPM under varying conditions. The wording used in the video made it seem that the pilot must directly adjust propeller pitch for varying conditions, which is not the case.

[@aaronhorn6849]

Questions: In no particular order and I guess some are a little out there. Any idea on price at this point? Or a cost on parts ie hub, blades? How much heavier is it than say a Helix prop? Time line for release to the masses? How likely is there to be a 3 bladed version? Are you looking at a version for ultralight aircraft? Actual thrust numbers compaired to a static prop? Are the individual blades replaceable? Thoughts on a quick-release version? Do you have a spare one kicking around that you can let me have?😁

[@steffwo]

Reminds me of an impatient child.

[@jimcr120]

Innovative idea! How does the power curve feel on the ground? Does it require more precise throttle control than a regular prop? Are there any drawbacks for beginner pilots? When will it be available and in what sizes?

[@SCOUTaviation]

It depends on the springs used. With springs with lower spring constant the shift was very quick and I could hear sudden increase in RPM when it changed pitch from 13 to 10. Exactly like when you downshift in a car and the RPM go up suddenly. Now we are using a stiffer spring and that changes the pitch continuously from 13 to 12.5 to 12 to .... to 10 as I keep adding throttle. Smooth. So there is no sudden change in RPM nor sound. It feels very natural and pleasant. Yet we need to test it more because maybe we will find out that a quick downshift is more beneficial although it may feel a little weird / not used to. I do not know. In terms of thrust it feels more like a diesel engine = having thrust all the way from the bottom. It is really nice. The only drawback could be lines getting tangled on the springs if the glider falls on you on landing. But that should not happen or not frequently at least. You do not want your lines over hot engine regardless of what prop you are using. Only one prototype exists at the moment. 1320 mm in diameter, made for Vittroazi Moster engine. Yesterday we recorded another video, so stay tuned for exact in-flight measurements.

[@paramotorhead]

@@SCOUTaviation regarding the line snagging issue, could the design be adjusted to accommodate a prop spinner?

[@SCOUTaviation]

@@paramotorhead yes but good training weights less:-)

[@localhawk1]

uhhh, a big thing. (especially for the electric once) well done :)

[@garrykennedy5484]

Do you remember the old timing advance systems that used counter weights on the rotor of an engine? We used to put heavier weights to increase the timing advance at lower RPMs. At higher RPMs, the weights would cause the rotor to advance the timing of the firing even more of the spark plugs. Can this method be used here? It seems that both blades could be activated at the same time using this method instead of 2 springs that can lose their pressures at different times? Would LOVE to work with you on this. Simple, 2 weights, 2 cams. Just like the old timing advance kits on older engines!

[@SCOUTaviation]

We were considering centrifugal force. But why adding weight to somethings we want to keep lightweight? Long term testing will show eventual fatigue of the springs.

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@SCOUTaviation OK,,, I think got it. I have an Idea involving only 1 spring. It would be less weight and both blades would always be at the same pitch as each other. Not sure I want to share this on here though.

[@aeasus]

Just in energy economy alone I think this is awesome. But let's go a step further. Add windmill mode to recharge batteries extending powered flight time. Being able to charge on the fly (pun intended) could change travel forever.

[@mraffifpv1685]

There is no such thing as free Energy - Windmilling reduces your Glide a LOT, the harnessed Power would be a Lot less than the wasted Energy

[@aeasus]

@@mraffifpv1685 I agree a pilot would be looking for points of lift to maximize glide slope regeneration. Environmental lift and gravity are still free :)