Z-drive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Z-drive is a type of azimuth thruster in which the pod-mounted propellers are driven mechanically rather than electrically. Azimuth thruster pods can be rotated through a full 360 degrees, allowing for rapid changes in thrust direction and eliminating the need for a conventional rudder. This form of power transmission is called a Z-drive because the rotary motion has to make two right angle turns, thus looking a bit like the letter "Z". This name is used to make clear the arrangement of drive is different from L-drive
The Z-drive transmission was used in the first azimuth thrusters built by Hollming in Finland in the 1960s under the Aquamaster brand name.[1]
The Voith-Schneider marine propulsion system (also mechanically linked) can also quickly change the direction of thrust.
