The incredible ‘flying superyacht’

Stunning images have revealed an incredible ‘flying superyacht’ that can carry up to eight passengers above the waves at speeds of up to 40 knots (46mph/74km/h).

The hybrid diesel-electric luxury yacht incorporates a retractable hydrofoil system that can tackle waves of up to five feet. 

 At 18 knots (20 mph / 33 kph), the lift created by the foils fully lifts the Foiler and the hull flies above the water.

In hydrofoil mode, the yacht can comfortably handle waves up to 4.9 ft (1.5 m) high while still providing complete comfort for passengers. It can maintain this performance in winds of up to 30 to 35 knots (35 to 40 mph / 55 to 65 kph). To activate this, you simply press the Fly Mode button.  

The foils and rudders are deployed by a hydraulic ram. In more extreme conditions, you can retract the foils and use it as a regular boat by pressing the Float Mode button. 

It has a range of 260 nautical miles (482 km) at 20 knots or 130 nautical miles (240 km) at 30 knots. The vehicle is manufactured from carbon fibre with high grade stainless steel, aluminium and titanium mechanical parts. 

The foils and rudders are also manufactured from carbon fibre in an autoclave, to ensure high rigidity and robustness.

Its propulsion system combines two diesel and electric 320 bhp (239 kW)  BMW engines which power custom Enata electric torpedo engines. This delivers up to 20 per cent increased fuel efficiency at top hydro-foiling speeds. The Foiler can also operate in a fully electric mode, cruising at a speeds up to 10 knots (11.5 mph / 18.5 kph) in near silence. 

HOW DOES A HYDROFOIL WORK?

Hydrofoils are wing-like blades that usually sit underneath a boat's hull.

They cut through the water as the boat speeds up, creating an uplift – similar to the aerofoils used on aeroplanes.

As the boat travels faster, it lifts higher, reducing drag against the hull and the amount of power needed to sustain its speed. 

The foils are shaped to move smoothly through the water causing its flow to be deflected downward, which exerts an upward force on the foil.

This turning of the water causes higher pressure on the bottom and reduced pressure on the top of the foil.

This pressure difference is accompanied by a velocity difference, so the resulting flow about the foil has a higher average velocity on one side than the other.

When used as a lifting element on a hydrofoil boat, this upward force lifts the body of the vessel, decreasing drag and increasing speed. 

[Foiler]

Share on Google Plus

About Jugoslav Milanovic

Let's our experience be your next adventure!