Shannon introduces an innovative air propeller quad hydrofoil

Mondo Military Updated on 2024-03-08

After more than 40 years of maritime innovation, Shannon Boat Company has become a leader in the industry. At the Miami International Boat Show, they showcased the Amphfoil offshore hydrofoil, a blueprint for the future of sea travel. After ten years of hard work, the Shannon team has been relentlessly pursuing environmentally friendly and efficient offshore solutions, aiming to subvert the constraints of traditional maritime technology and bring new vitality and possibilities to the ocean.

Maritime patrol boats.

Amphfoils is a reinvented hydrofoil

Multi-purpose: from 85m 28ft to 18m 60ft leisure yacht or commercial custom model.

8 years of R&D: Amphfoil is the result of 8 years of dedicated R&D.

International Patents: This groundbreaking has been granted international patents in more than 40 countries, proving its unique design and technological advancement.

More than 40 years of maritime experience: With over 40 years of maritime experience, Shannon Boat Company brings a wealth of knowledge to the development of Amphfoil.

18 meters 59 feet commuter boat.

Revolutionize maritime transportation

Amphfoil represents a paradigm shift in sea travel, seamlessly integrating fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to redefine the hydrofoil experience. With speeds of up to 70 mph and a range of up to 350 nautical miles and 650 kilometers, this innovative vessel offers yachting enthusiasts an experience like never before. Overcoming historical challenges

While traditional hydrofoils have long struggled to overcome challenges such as insufficient lift and limited adaptability in waves, the emergence of Amphfoil has brought a game-changer to this field. It succeeds in eliminating the huge drawbacks that have plagued traditional boats, catamarans and hydrofoils for a long time. This innovative vessel utilises surface-effect ground effect lift to reduce energy requirements by up to 75%, resulting in unprecedented speed, range and efficiency.

Amphfoils, the world's first vessel to skillfully harness a natural phenomenon known as surface or ground effect lift, was inspired by the world of aviation. Back in 1903, the Wright brothers first felt the power of the ground effect, and when they flew their first airplane into the sky, it heralded the infinite possibilities of this technology. Today, ground effects are a must-have for every aircraft in the world during take-off and landing. In the 40s of the 20th century, long-range bombers used the surface effect of near-water flight to achieve a 75% increase in efficiency while significantly reducing the fuel required to maintain high speeds.

Amphfoil Expedition model.

A combination of innovation and elegance

Amphfoil's revolutionary technology skillfully combines the dual functions of a catamaran's stability, surface-effect lift, hydrofoil lift and electric tilting air propeller – both thruster and lift**. In order to further improve maneuverability and ride comfort, this design is uniquely equipped with a four-wing design. This innovation completely solves the bumps, fatigue and seasickness common in sea travel, making sailing smoother.

It is worth mentioning that air propellers are able to save up to 35% of energy compared to conventional water propellers. Air propellers have been widely used by the military and agencies for years to propel shoal draft boats and other offshore vessels. When marine environment or wave conditions limit the lift of the hydrofoil and the effectiveness of the water propeller, Amphfoils relies on its tilting air propeller to maintain a steady speed and lift. In addition, the air propeller is propelled in a way that does not cause wake turbulence to sensitive coastline ecosystems, and avoids the catastrophic impact that the water propeller may cause to protected marine mammals and whales, truly realizing the harmonious coexistence of navigation and ecology.

Sustainable and eco-friendly design

Amphfoil technology incorporates a special hydrofoil design that maximizes the unique surface effect. Unlike the infinite lift of an airplane's wing, Amphfoil's hydrofoil cleverly limits this power, allowing it to fly just 5 feet above the surface of the water (15 meters), Amphfoils uses surface-effect lift physics to skim over waves on a "smooth air cushion", completely eliminating the embarrassment of traditional ships being forced to slow down to avoid violent impacts. Amphfoil's surface-effect lifting capability allows hydrofoils to traverse troughs in harsh sea conditions.

Amphfoil technology solves the inherent instability of traditional hydrofoils by combining four lift hydrofoils. Because the hydrofoils on Amphfoils represent only 30% of the total lift, there is no need for complex, fail-prone electronics to constantly adjust the angle of attack of each hydrofoil as the speed changes.

The quad foil also acts as a "mini-keel", providing tracking capabilities in large crosswinds and sea conditions. The rear hydrofoils rotate in conjunction with the rear air propellers to enhance the maneuverability necessary in crowded harbors and crowded waterways, while the telescopic function of the four hydrofoils reduces the draft of the amphfoils to less than 24 inches (61 cm). This careful design not only enhances the performance of the vessel, but also reflects a deep concern for marine life and shallow waters, effectively preventing dangerous strandings.

Patented in 42 developed countries and with no restrictions on size and range of use, Amphfoil technology undoubtedly represents a leap forward in the future of maritime travel. This design is suitable for both leisure and commercial use. By adopting a variant of one platform, it is easy to create different sizes of boats for a wide range of applications. At the same time, Amphfoil has the ability to adapt to electric, hydrogen and hybrid propulsion technologies, making it easy to respond to rapidly changing market demands without the need for expensive new tooling.

8.5 m 28 ft annex boat.

8.5 m 28 ft annex boat.

Amphfoil has unveiled plans for a 28-foot annex (pictured above) that can accommodate six passengers. The top is convertible and can be turned on or off depending on the weather, while the quad hydrofoil and aerodynamic technology are designed to provide a smooth ride without being hit.

The company has also designed an 18-foot luxury (5-meter) luxury yacht, a 39-foot patrol boat for military or law enforcement use, a 12-meter (39-foot) long commuter boat, and a 15- or 18-meter ferry. The ferry includes a day pier and seating for up to 24 passengers. Available with all-electric or hybrid electric propulsion for a fast, comfortable ride in all sea conditions.

5 meter luxury hydrofoil.

Maritime patrol boats.

Amphfoil Ferries.

Offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels and support vessels.

Overall, Amphfoil technology is an innovator in the field of marine travel with its unique hydrofoil design, excellent surface effect lifting capability and excellent sea state adaptability. Its emergence not only brings us a safer and more efficient navigation experience, but also shows the harmonious coexistence of human wisdom and the natural environment. It will transform people's journeys on the high seas with a new way of traveling the world's oceans smoother, faster, safer, and more efficiently.

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