HyperTryke Trainer
A java applet that simulates the forces acting on a lifting body landyacht

Left side of display:

  • velocity of the vehicle, true wind and apparent wind (color code in upper left corner of window)
  • angle of attack
  • side force
  • acceleration (forward thrust or driving force)
Right side of display:
  • top view of the yacht
  • true wind, apparent wind, true course and slip angle angle in degrees (color code in upper left corner of window)
  • 'dust trails' for a visual clue to yacht speed
Drag an arrow pointer for true wind speed, true course, vehicle weight and vehicle slip angle ratio or click on a number value to set these parameters.

To sail, the sailor moves the landyacht's true heading arrow pointer to the desired heading. Angle of attack must be kept below stall angle (about 33 degrees) and side force below 0.8 G's (80% of vehicle weight) while keeping the acceleration gage needle green, in the positive region. Then it's smooth sailing!