Marine

The high-flying Quadrofoil hydrofoil is ready for production

The high-flying Quadrofoil hydrofoil is ready for production
The electric-powered Quadrofoil
The electric-powered Quadrofoil
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Using C-foil technology, the Quadrofoil's specially shaped hydrofoils provide the necessary lift forces needed to get the craft out of the water at only 12 km/h (6.5 knots)
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Using C-foil technology, the Quadrofoil's specially shaped hydrofoils provide the necessary lift forces needed to get the craft out of the water at only 12 km/h (6.5 knots)
The company reports a full charge in 2 hours and a range of 100 km (54 nautical miles) for the Q2S model, while the cheaper Q2A’s range is cut in half to 50 km (27 nm)
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The company reports a full charge in 2 hours and a range of 100 km (54 nautical miles) for the Q2S model, while the cheaper Q2A’s range is cut in half to 50 km (27 nm)
The electric-powered Quadrofoil
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The electric-powered Quadrofoil
The electric powered Quadrofoil Q2S is good for a top speed of 40 km/h (21 knots) above the water, while the Q2A tops out at 30 km/h (16 knots)
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The electric powered Quadrofoil Q2S is good for a top speed of 40 km/h (21 knots) above the water, while the Q2A tops out at 30 km/h (16 knots)
The Quadrofoil, without foils attached, takes up 1.5 m (5 ft) from side to side, while standing 1.2 m tall (4 ft) and measuring just under 3 m (10 ft) in length
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The Quadrofoil, without foils attached, takes up 1.5 m (5 ft) from side to side, while standing 1.2 m tall (4 ft) and measuring just under 3 m (10 ft) in length
Made of composite materials and weighing in at only 100 kg (220 lb), the Quadrofoil is relatively light
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Made of composite materials and weighing in at only 100 kg (220 lb), the Quadrofoil is relatively light
The steering wheel features an integrated touch screen that provides key information such as range, speed, battery power and consumption, and it's also the key to the craft
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The steering wheel features an integrated touch screen that provides key information such as range, speed, battery power and consumption, and it's also the key to the craft
The Quadrofoil is claimed a more environmentally-friendly option as it produces marginal noise pollution, zero emissions, and creates only the tiniest of waves
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The Quadrofoil is claimed a more environmentally-friendly option as it produces marginal noise pollution, zero emissions, and creates only the tiniest of waves
View gallery - 8 images

Unlike the U-boat Worx HP Sport Sub 2 that’s designed to outperform octopi under the water, the Quadrofoil has been developed to provide hydrofoil performance above it. When Gizmag first reported on the Quadrofoil back in 2012, the Slovenian craft was still in its prototype stages, but now it’s ready for production and available for global pre-order.

The radically finned Quadrofoil is described as a hydrofoiling personal watercraft (PWC), but unlike other PWCs the Quadrofoil produces marginal noise pollution, zero emissions, and creates only the tiniest of waves. As a result, the company claims the quad-finned watercraft could in theory access more environmentally sensitive areas where noise and wave disturbances are prohibited.

The Quadrofoil, without foils attached, takes up 1.5 m (5 ft) from side to side, while standing 1.2 m tall (4 ft) and measuring just under 3 m (10 ft) in length
The Quadrofoil, without foils attached, takes up 1.5 m (5 ft) from side to side, while standing 1.2 m tall (4 ft) and measuring just under 3 m (10 ft) in length

Available in two models and capable of carrying two adults, the Quadrofoil, without foils attached, takes up 1.5 m (5 ft) from side to side, while standing 1.2 m tall (4 ft) and measuring just under 3 m (10 ft) in length.

The Q2S has a 5.5 kW motor and longer lasting 10 kWh batteries and is said to be good for a top speed of 40 km/h (21 knots) above the water. The cheaper Q2A gets its power from a QE 3.7 kW electric motor and 4.5 kWh batteries and tops out at 30 km/h (16 knots).

The company reports a full charge in 2 hours and a range of 100 km (54 nautical miles) for the Q2S model, while the Q2A’s range is cut in half to 50 km (27 nm).

Using C-foil technology, the Quadrofoil's specially-shaped water wings provide the necessary lift forces to get the craft out of the water at only 12 km/h (6.5 knots). Made of composite materials and weighing in at only 100 kg (220 lb), the craft is relatively light and the designers claim it is unsinkable thanks to its hollow hull construction.

The Quadrofoil is claimed a more environmentally-friendly option as it produces marginal noise pollution, zero emissions, and creates only the tiniest of waves
The Quadrofoil is claimed a more environmentally-friendly option as it produces marginal noise pollution, zero emissions, and creates only the tiniest of waves

The craft's cockpit is a simple, straightforward affair. The video game-like steering wheel features an integrated touch screen that provides key information such as range, speed, battery power and consumption. The steering wheel also manages all the craft’s functions and, in a novel anti-theft move, it doubles as the Quadrofoil's key. The higher end Q2S comes loaded with goodies like GPS, depth meter, navigation lights and fake leather upholstered seats.

Since the initial launch in 2012, the designers have made a number of technical changes and improvements to the craft. A new outboard motor in conjunction with the craft’s hydrofoils are now controlled simultaneously via a new steering system. The result is reported to be a more stable, more agile craft. Drift control has apparently been improved to provide more precise handling characteristics.

The C-shaped hydrofoils, upgraded from the initial prototype model, now provide better stability and efficiency on the water. A new quick coupling system also now allows users to attach and remove hydrofoils without tools.

In terms of safety, the Quadrofoil designers have developed a new anti-collision system to absorb forces in the event of an accident. The makers have also added life jackets, a paddle and a whistle should the craft toss the occupants into the drink.

Using C-foil technology, the Quadrofoil's specially shaped hydrofoils provide the necessary lift forces needed to get the craft out of the water at only 12 km/h (6.5 knots)
Using C-foil technology, the Quadrofoil's specially shaped hydrofoils provide the necessary lift forces needed to get the craft out of the water at only 12 km/h (6.5 knots)

The limited edition Q2S is available for US$28,000 on pre-order now, with the Q2A version costing significantly less at $18,700. The Quadrofoil series is due to ship in March 2015.

The video link below shows the Quadrofoil PWC on a picturesque Slovenian lake.

Source: Quadrofoil

Quadrofoil - Amazing Electric Hydrofoil of the Future

View gallery - 8 images
6 comments
6 comments
Rehab
Interesting craft. Would like to see it getting on plane plus launching from the trailer.
tyme2par4
Kind of cool, but I don't think 24mph for a pwc is going to get anyone excited...
zevulon
i'm not saying the spec on this are impossible but 10kwh for a craft to have a speed of 21 nmph AND a range of 50 nautircal miles and a charging time of 2 hours. means it's charging at 4kw pace .
according to the full specs of kilowattage that's just under 6 horsepower to get 21 knots.
it seems the nautical mile range of 100km is NOT at 21 knots an hour but at a much slower speed, perhaps at 6 knots . this means the battery capacity of 10kwh would be much more effective.
because if you discharge 10kwh at typically higher C rates than you charge them----that's when you get 21 knots most likely and the range would probably be closer to 10 knots at that speed than 54 knots.
ARTICLE LIKE THIS SHOULD HAVE SPECIFICATIONS OF RANGE AT EACH SPEED TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL RANGE DISCLOSURE.
Stephen N Russell
Make bigger model to carry 8 passengers & or storage IE food, camping gear & or fuel, tools. Great for beach camping in remote coves, inlets. Mass produce Test in Hawaii, Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, FL, VA, CT MD, OR alone
Jay Finke
Ever hit a submerged log in a boat, I do about once a year, I wounder what kind of cartwheels this thing will do when it loses one or two foils. That's a experience you wont soon forget, providing you not the unlucky one that eventually washes up on shore ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNEA_gp45hg
telocity
If the hydrofoil works at such low speed, I wonder if a sail could be added to save battery and extend distance.