The Wing Project

The projects aim is to be a simple, effective and individually active/passive safety and rescue system for localizing people and places.

Primarily, this product is designed for maritime use, hill trekkers, mountaineers and skiers. A further development can focus on shipping companies etc. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that various lifesaving services can be potential customers.

The project consists of developing a bag no larger than a 1 liter packet of milk (or similar in design). By means of a strap and shackle arrangement, the packet can be attached to a lifejacket, jacket, and rucksack or to an immobile object.

The packet contains a self-inflating kite/balloon or “flying wing”. The medium used to inflate the wing is a non-explosive, inert gas (Helium). It is not hazardous to breath in Helium.

The wing will be constructed of a light and signal reflecting (radar) material. Furthermore, the wing will have a distinctive self-illuminating colour. It is also possible that the wing can be equipped with a chemically prepared thermal capsule to aid detection by thermal cameras.

The wing will be constructed in such a way that, when fully inflated, it will have a maximum of visual, radar, signal and light reflecting capabilities. In principal, the wing’s lift will be generated in two ways. In calm conditions the lift will be provided by the Helium gas, and in rougher conditions, aerodynamic principals will take over.

The advantage of an anchored balloon is that it will “fly” in zero to moderate wind conditions. The disadvantage is that it will fold or blow away when subjected to stronger winds. A kite has the advantage of being able to fly with sufficient wind but will stall (stop flying) in zero to moderate wind conditions.

The wing will be designed to take advantage of the balloon and the kite’s positive qualities whilst eliminating their respective negative qualities.

The construction of the wing is such, that, the more wind that is produced over the wing, the more arrow shaped it will be. This implies that the wing generates a static traction power that is more or less constant in the range of 0 – 40 m/sec.

For aerodynamic purposes, the wing will be fitted with aluminium stabilizing tails that are also strongly radar reflective.

The configuration of the wing will be to produce a “winking” movement while in flight, maximizing the visual effect.

The wing will not contain any electrical circuitry, batteries or mechanical parts.

Some of the advantages demonstrated above are:

•  The wing can easily be detected in most kinds of weather conditions due to its strongly contrasting colour and to its unique “winking” movement.

• The light reflecting material.

• With radar or a directional signal search, an exact position or direction can be established no matter how severe the weather conditions are.

• Detection by 3D thermal seeking equipment by means of a chemically prepared thermal capsule.

• Likelihood of general acceptance because the wing will be less complicated to use than an ordinary life vest.

This type of safety product can easily demonstrate a dramatically increased survival potential.

This project can expect to receive strong recommendations from authorities and organizations.