Hydrofoil
From MarineWiki
Contents |
Description
Hydrofoil craft are supported by underwater foils, not unlike the wings of an aircraft. At high speeds these underwater surfaces develop lift and raise the hull out of the water. Bernoulli's principle is often used to explain how a wing develop lift.
Advantages
- These vessels are very fast, reaching speeds of 40 - 60 knots and compared to planing boats.
- hydrofoils experience much lower vertical accelerations in moderate sea states making them more comfortable to ride.
Disadvantages
- It becomes uncomfortable or even dangerous in heavy sea states due to the foils breaking clear of the water and the hull impacting the waves.
- The need for the hydrofoils to produce enough upward force to lift the ship out of the water places practical constraints on the vessel's size.
- Expensive for their size in comparison to conventional displacement vessels.
