TNT FOILING MOTORBOAT

The TNT Foiling Motorboat project aimed to develop a foiling system and test platform for integration into existing motorboats. Key to this concept was a U-configuration main foil equipped with controlled surfaces to provide lift, complemented by an elevator beneath the lower unit of a combustion outboard engine.

Given the inherent instability of the vessel, a flight controller was developed. Ultrasonic sensors were integrated to control ride height and lateral stability, feeding data into the flight controller. The controller regulated valves within a hydraulic system to manipulate the control surfaces. Iterative testing refined the flight controller's performance, enhancing the boat's banking during turns.

While demonstrating exceptional performance in calm waters, challenges arose in choppy conditions, prompting the need for further enhancements. Despite interest from boat manufacturers, apprehension regarding the system's potential impact on initial pricing hindered widespread adoption.

Simultaneously, the emergence of stable flight achieved by the Candela speedboat C7 signaled a significant milestone in the field and influencing the trajectory of craft development. As development costs escalated, it became apparent that substantial efforts would be required to create a viable market for this innovative craft. Hence, BLUEWORKS Inc pivoted towards designing a more accessible one-person electric motor foiler, the “Foiling Pod”, representing a strategic shift in the company's pursuit of innovative solutions.