Hydrofoil takeoff and landing with multiple hydrofoils
US12420924B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 10, 2023 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D2109/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A craft comprises at least one hull; at least one wing configured to generate upwards aero lift as air flows past the at least one wing to facilitate wing-borne flight of the craft; a front hydrofoil connected to the at least one hull via a front hydrofoil strut and configured to generate upward hydrofoil lift as water flows past the front hydrofoil to facilitate hydrofoil-borne movement of the craft through the water; a rear hydrofoil connected to the at least one hull via a rear hydrofoil strut and configured to generate upward hydrofoil lift as water flows past the rear hydrofoil to facilitate hydrofoil-borne movement of the craft through the water; and a control system. While the craft is hydrofoil-borne, the control system is configured to facilitate transition of the craft from hydrofoil-borne operation to wing-borne operation via a process comprising: while the upwards aero lift generated by the at least one wing is below a threshold lift, controlling one or both of the front hydrofoil and the rear hydrofoil to generate a downward hydrofoil lift that causes the front hydrofoil and the rear hydrofoil to remain at least partially submerged in the water; and after the upwards a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.