Candela, a Stockholm - based company who are world leaders in hydrofoil based technology, have unveiled their latest craft, the P-8 Voyager. Hydrofoil boats ‘fly’ above the surface of the water and use significantly less energy.
The new P-8 is intended to replace commercial passenger craft and traditional water taxies that operate on combustion power. The hydrofoil technology was created by relying on the experience of Candela’s over 50 engineers, whom have experience from drone, aerospace and software industries.
The watercraft’s onboard flight controller has the ability to automatically alter the foil angle when the vehicle reaches 16 knots, allowing it to rise above the surface. Adjustments to roll, pitch and height are made 100 times per second through the controller so the boat can handle four to five foot waves.
The Candela leaves very like wake in its trail so will be well adapted to areas with many water taxis and will be able to keep the waters calm. The watercraft utilises a motor the is near maintenance free as it is absent of a transmission, which means the motor has no noise, oil or cooling fluid. Candela claim maintenance will only be required after 3,000 hours of use, unlike other motors where maintenance is suggested after 100 hours.