You know that boats usually sail on water, right?
What if I told you that there is a kind of boat that can fly on the water like a bird or an airplane? Sounds crazy, right. But it's true.
There is a company in Sweden called Candela, who invented a boat that could "fly" on the water.
The ship is called the Candela P-12, and it's an electric flying machine that's faster and quieter than any ship you've ever seen.
How does the aircraft work?
The Candela P-12 was not a typical ship. It is designed to "fly" on the surface of the water using hydrofoils, which are wing-like structures that lift the hull off the water when the boat reaches a certain speed. This reduces the drag from the water, allowing the boat to consume less energy and travel faster.
The P-12 can reach speeds of up to 29 miles per hour, about twice as fast as conventional ferries. The P-12 is also powered by a 252 kWh battery, which makes it fully electric and emission-free. The battery can last up to 25 hours and can be charged on any standard base. The company also allocates space for bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs.
The P-12 is available in three models, designed for public transport fleets, VIP services, or private clients.
Shuttle: Fast electric commuter (up to 30 passengers).
Business: Premium comfort at sea (up to 20 passengers).
Range: Customised interior for unique boxes (up to 12 passengers).
How the ship flies in style and comfort
The P-12 also has a digital flight control system that automatically adjusts the hydrofoil to wave conditions and stabilizes the boat. This makes the passenger ride smoother and more comfortable, and reduces the likelihood of seasickness. The boat also has a touchscreen interface that allows the pilot to monitor and control the boat's performance and settings.
How about the first test flight of the spacecraft?
The P-12 pre-production boat, known as the "Zero", successfully completed its first flight tests. The boat demonstrated its amazing ability to ascend at 16 knots (18 mph) and accelerate to a design top speed of 30 knots (34 mph) in 16 seconds.
The boat flies smoothly over the water, showcasing its sleek and futuristic design. The flight test was a milestone for the company and its vision to create the world's first flying electric boat.