It’s been one year since maxon jumped onboard as an Official Supplier to Emirates Team New Zealand.maxon are proud to have been working closely with Emirates Team New Zealand’s design and engineering team for more than one year providing advice on integrated drive solutions. Looking back a lot has happened in this short time. The team led the way in innovation, designing the system that all the teams use to raise and lower the foils, and pushed the boundaries of technology to build the new concept AC75 yacht using only simulation and not prototypes for testing. With work underway on the second AC75, Emirates Team New Zealand’s spirit for continuous improvement and blue-sky thinking aligns with maxon’s passion and motivation to excel in technology. maxon was excited to see Te Aihe gliding over the water on a recent test run. The AC75 is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology with the use of maxon DC motors and drive systems.
maxon Group Australia Managing Director Brett Motum said “our DC motors are perfectly suited for wherever extreme precision and the highest quality standards are necessary and where compromises cannot be tolerated. The motors selected have high power density and they are configured to operate under intense conditions”. The America’s Cup AC75 Class Rule allows the use of electric motors to operate hydraulic valves, drive clutches, rudders and foils. Teams may also use motors for driving simulator platforms and numerous test jigs.
Te Aihe is currently en-route to Cagliari, Sardinia, for the first America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) event in April where all the AC75s will race against each other for the first time. In the absence of Te Aihe the team finally revealed their test boat which was about a year behind the other teams. This was a strategic and considered decision. The reveal of Te Kāhu at this late stage in the campaign allowed development alongside the first AC75 to wholesomely contribute in the construction of the next AC75. Te Kāhu allows the sailors to continue training in a model that as close as possible mirrors the first AC75. You’ve heard slow and steady wins the race. Now watch this space.
