Monofoil ~ designed to reach top speed in excess of 100 knots
Designed by UK aero-engineer Jonathan Howes, the
Monofoil has a (single) fuselage that lifts out of the
water during acceleration, causing the
boat to fly across the surface of the
water. A rigid wing structure provides the
lift and drive, and the foil is the only thing that remains in contact with the water. The Monofoil, which begins to fly at speeds of around 46kt, will compete with catamarans, trimarans and monohulls and is set to challenge every short course ocean
passage and
race record.
According to the company, initial testing of the Monofoil has produced exciting results and construction of the full-scale version is already well advanced. Together with a full-scale mock-up, the main wing has been built and all the molds for the main composite components have been produced. The build schedule is expected to be completed in September 2007, with Monofoil set to make its first
record attempt — the 500 meters outright speed record — in April 2008.
For more information, visit the Monofoil website at
www.monofoil.com