Oceanflight Technologies develops flight control and navigation systems for modern hydrofoil boats helping lift maritime mobility to the next level. Their hydrofoil technology platform is designed for boat builders, enabling sustainable electric drive trains and significantly outperforming conventional boats in efficiency.
The control system comprises of three essential components: sensing, computing and actuation, adjusting the hydrofoil control surfaces hundreds of times per second for a comfortable and safe ride. Their aim is to provide a comfortable, safe, and environmentally friendly boating experience, unlocking the opportunity of boating without wasting resources.
Sensing provides a concrete and fast understanding of the environment using RTK GPS and an Inertial Measurement Unit with sensor-fusion algorithms for precise attitude, heading, and position measurements. It also utilizes multiple sensors for flying height and wave height detection, as well as short- and mid-range obstacle avoidance sensors, both over and underwater.
Computing and Communication are Oceanflight’s Central Control Unit (CCU) features, which acts as a flight controller and a central communication hub. It has a redundant flight control stack based on 15 years of drone experience and a fully redundant high-speed FDCAN-network. This component also offers a flexible interface for maritime standard components and includes an embedded Linux-based compute for non-critical tasks, logging, data analysis, and remote support via an encrypted cloud link.
Actuation includes actuators designed for foiling boats, delivering a smooth ride in combination with the flight control system. These actuators, available in multiple sizes, are designed for reliability, easy integration, and maintenance. Actuator and flap dynamics define control authority and bandwidth.
Their hydrofoilng technology platforem focuses on efficiency, autonomy, and smart boating features. Oceanflight Cortex is a pioneering marine communication system that revolutionizes vessel operation by integrating critical systems like engines, thrusters, and rudders into a unified network. Drawing from aviation and drone technology, it simplifies development, enhances operations, and aligns with safer, eco-friendly boating.
Serving as the central nervous system of a boat, Oceanflight Cortex connects and orchestrates every operational aspect. The Central Compute Unit (CCU), the powerhouse of the Cortex, uses an onboard real-time processor to handle time and safety-critical functions, including hydrofoil control. It also provides logging, data analysis, and remote support via an encrypted cloud link.
The RTK-GPS offers precise attitude, heading, and position measurements crucial for hydrofoiling and autonomy. Multiple radar sensors enable flying and wave height detection for superior situational awareness. For autopilot functions, a force-feedback Helm Station allows for safe and intuitive pilot takeover in emergencies. Hydrofoil actuators translate algorithms into real movement, optimized for speed and force in hydrofoil boats. Oceanflight Cortex can connect to various engines for reliable thrust control and integrates bow and stern thrusters for intuitive, joystick-controlled boat movement, simplifying parking. Realsense stereo cameras provide 3D detection of surroundings, ensuring collision-free automated navigation.
Oceanflight has successfully delivered cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, developing both prototype and full-scale solutions that push the boundaries of marine innovation. In July 2022, they developed a 1:7 scale radio-controlled prototype of THE ICON for Tyde, successfully showcasing its potential in trials near Munich. By September 2022, they equipped a full-scale 14-meter, 10-ton prototype of THE ICON in Portoroz, Slovenia, with a foil control system, conducting extensive on-water testing to enhance its systems.
In March 2023, Oceanflight partnered with Kai Concepts to transform a catamaran into an electronically stabilized hydrofoil technology demonstrator. In May 2023, TYDE and BMW revealed THE ICON, controlled by Oceanflight’s components, at the Cannes Film Festival. They also partnered with Tranquility in January 2024 to adapt hydrofoil technology to a jetski. Additionally, in August 2024, Oceanflight built their own 5.5-meter full-carbon hydrofoil boat as a prototype and development platform, designed to carry up to four people.
For more information on this innovative hydrofoiling technology visit https://oceanflight.tech/
