High strength windable electromechanical tether with low fluid dynamic drag and system using same

摘要

A tether, and system using such a tether, adapted to provide mechanical and electrical coupling of an airborne flying platform to the ground. The tether may have a center structural core with electrical conductors on or near the outer diameter of the tether. The tether may utilize exterior configurations adapted to reduce drag.

主权项

1. A high strength tether adapted for electrical conduction and tensile loading, said tether comprising:
a central core, said central core comprising:
a plurality of core layers, said core layers comprising a plurality of individual core elements, where the core elements of a core layer are helically wound along the length of said tether; a low bulk modulus strain relief layer wound concentrically around the central core; and a plurality of electrical conductors, said plurality of conductors located along the exterior of the low bulk modulus strain relief layer and said central core.