The Hübner-Braun drive works in a similar way to the Voith-Schneider propeller used on tugs, ferries and workboats. It can be completely retracted into the hull.
The Hübner-Braun drive can be equipped with two to four vertical wings. They rotate like an agitator under the fuselage, always orientating their maximum surface area at right angles to the direction of thrust during the thrust phase, while they are virtually in the sailing position the rest of the way. The system can be powered by diesel-electric, hydraulic or a conventional Disel motor. It is also suitable for replacing an existing Sail-Drive.
The thrust direction can be selected from 360 degrees. This opens up completely new possibilities in the manoeuvring behaviour of yachts. The drive can also be installed instead of a bow thruster.
The Hübner-Braun drive is currently available with a maximum of 50 hp (37 kW) and is a vertically flange-mounted AC electric motor, which also allows the drive to be completely retracted into the fuselage.
The Hübner-Braun drive is developed and built by drive specialist SPW GmbH, Westkai 58, 27572 Bremerhaven; Tel. 0471/77047, Fax 77444; spw-gmbh@t-online.de ; www.spw-gmbh.de. During the "Salon Nautique de Paris", SPW was awarded 1st prize in the trade fair organisation's innovation competition for the new drive. It can be seen at boot in Hall 9 Stand 9 A60.
