SeaBubble
The SeaBubble is an experimental hydrofoil, the size of a small car. It is proposed they could be used as water taxis in cities.
History
Founded by Alain Thébault, designer of the world record breaking Hydroptère, who conceived the idea and Anders Bringdal, they brought together a team in France, with skills in hydrodynamic designing. Finalizing a design in 2016 for a five-person SeaBubble water taxi.[1]
After testing a ⅛ scale prototype, in July 2016 they raised capital of €500,000 to fund the next stage.[2] Full size prototypes are being built and five will be tested on the Seine in Paris in 2017, operating between two landing stages.[3]
It is envisaged that a market exists for SeaBubbles in most cities, as most major cities are built on rivers or have a harbour. It is also hoped to have a design that does not require a pilot, provided legislation is changed to permit the development.[2]
Design
Designed to operate in a no-wake zone, the SeaBubble rises after a few meters and reaching a speed of 6-8 knots, on four skids which reduces water drag by 40% and increases efficiency,[1] allowing speeds of up to a potential 25 knots.[2]
Powered by two electrically driven propellers attached to the rear skids, the electric power is replenished at the landing stage by using a mixture of solar panels and turbines to charge the batteries. Fully charged the SeaBubble has a range of 80–100 km.[1]
Eco friendly
Environmentally friendly, the SeaBubble is made of biodegradable materials, non-polluting with zero emissions, silent and as it makes no wake so will not erode river banks.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "The Project". SeaBubble.
- 1 2 3 "Skip down the Seine in a flying river taxi". Bloomberg. 29 July 2016.
- ↑ "'Flying' water taxis for Paris". The Connexion. 26 October 2016.