Bizarre floating jet-ski that LEVITATES above the water’s surface is ‘quieter, greener and more efficient’ than the traditional alternatives
- World’s first electric hydrofoil personal watercraft has been named WaveFlyer
- It has been developed, in part, by the University of Western Australia
- Rises above the water during operation using a ‘hydrofoil propulsion system’
- Its manufacturers claim it is quieter, greener and more energy efficient than the traditional alternatives
A levitating jet-ski that hovers above the water’s surface has been created and may usher in a new wave of quirky personal transport vehicles for thrill-seekers.
The bizarre machine is thought to be the world’s first electric hydrofoil personal watercraft and has been named WaveFlyer.
Its manufacturers claim it is quieter, greener and more energy efficient than the traditional alternatives.
The bizarre machine (pictured) is thought to be the world’s first electric hydrofoil personal watercraft and has been named WaveFlyer
The University of Western Australia’s Renewable Energy Vehicle Project (REV) has teamed up with Electro.Aero to make the machine.
The WaveFlyer appears similar to a conventional jet-ski when stationary, but rises above the water during operation using an ‘actively stabilised hydrofoil propulsion system’.
UWA REV Director Professor Thomas Braunl said WaveFlyer built on previous work of the team that developed Australia’s first electric jet-ski in 2015.
‘It is loaded with two kilowatt-hours of energy in lithium-ion batteries, so the watercraft can operate for more than 30 minutes while carrying two riders,’ Professor Braunl said.
Its manufacturers claim it is quieter, greener and more energy efficient than the traditional alternatives
Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Electro.Aero Joshua Portlock said the technology would also improve the safety, experience and efficiency of personal watercraft
‘The new WaveFlyer feels more like flying above water rather than riding a conventional jet-ski.
‘I can see tremendous commercial potential for this eco-friendly watercraft.
‘Its development has been made possible by funding from Galaxy Resources to support the research, and the expertise of Electro.Aero in building electric propulsion and flight control systems.’
Chief Technology Officer and co-founder of Electro.Aero Joshua Portlock said the technology would also improve the safety, experience and efficiency of personal watercraft.
‘We are very excited about the WaveDrive stabilised hydrofoil electric propulsion system we developed for the WaveFlyer prototype, as it is a technology that could help revolutionise the watercraft industry,’ Mr Portlock said.