The traditional approach was often based on increasing engine power.

However, more power brings with it more energy consumption.

Modern engineering asks a different question:

Instead of moving the boat faster, can we reduce the resistance the boat faces as it moves forward?

This idea is the basis of hydrofoil technology.

How does Hydrofoil work?

Hydrofoils are specially designed wing-like structures located under the boat.

When the boat accelerates, the water flow around the foil surfaces creates buoyancy.

Above a certain speed, this force can carry part or most of the hull above the water surface.

As a result, the surface of the hull in contact with water decreases.

When the resistance created by water decreases, the power needed to maintain the same speed may also decrease.

For this reason, hydrofoil systems attract great attention, especially in electric marine vehicles.

Why is it compatible with electric boats?

Energy storage in electric vehicles has certain weight and volume limits.

Constantly increasing the battery capacity may increase the weight of the boat.

Higher weight may result in more energy needs.

Therefore, it is important not only to store more energy in electric marine vehicles, but also to use the available energy more efficiently.

Hydrofoil technology opens a new design area at this point.

Reducing body resistance can create the potential for more efficient operation with the same battery capacity.

Why is it difficult to design foil?

From the outside, a hydrofoil may seem like a simple wing structure.

However, developing a successful system is a very complex engineering problem.

Foil geometry, surface area, placement and angle of attack affect lift force.

In addition, the boat's center of gravity and load distribution should also be taken into account.

Stability problems may arise when the correct balance between buoyancy and the total weight of the boat is not established.

Additionally, foil structures can be exposed to high hydrodynamic loads.

Therefore, structural analysis is also an important part of the design process.

Importance of control systems

With the development of hydrofoil technology, the role of electronic control systems is also increasing.

The buoyancy force created by the foil may need to be controlled at different speeds and sea conditions.

Data from sensors can help monitor the pitch and roll movements of the boat.

In the future, thanks to more advanced active foil control systems, it may be possible for boats to react to changing conditions in real time.

Volster Hydrofoil approach

Navarc's Volster Hydrofoil work is part of an engineering approach exploring how foil technology can be applied to everyday marine vehicles.

The aim is not just to design a visually different boat.

The aim is to create an integrated platform where the body, foil, propulsion system and control architecture complement each other.

Hydrofoil technology is not yet the answer to all maritime problems.

However, it has the potential to play an important role in future marine vehicles where high efficiency, electric propulsion and advanced control systems are combined.