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Hydrofoils
Achieving
high speeds with propeller driven boats requires reduced wetted area and
skin-friction drag. The Hydro-ped shown, a kayak hull that has been modified
by the addition of hydrofoils, achieves this end. The slender hull provides
good low-speed performance and permits the shaft driven propeller to take the
boat to a speed at which it can 'fly' on the foils.
The boat diagram
shows the location of the two foils and the propeller. The front foil has
a surface follower controlling its angle of attack and the 'fly-height' of the
boat. The rear main foil has upsweeps at its outer ends to improve roll stability.
Low speed steering is by the rear rudder, in flight the front wing
rudder is used. |
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