colinhilton: 6' Flat-Cat

A separate build intended to assess the practicality of a multi-hulled airboat sufficiently light to be adapted to hovering flight, so as to realise the concept of a 'self-launching boat'. Identical to the 8' build that went before, the current prototype differs in that the rearward extension to the hydroskis has been omitted. These proved to be problematic firstly in view of the fact their inherent buoyancy pitched the craft nose down at rest, but also in view of ease of operation... the current POC can be roof-mounted to omit the requirement for a trailer. In order to fit between the roof-bars of the vehicle in question the overall width (to the outer edge of the skis) is reduced to 3' and each spar to 6'. These project 3' forward of the centre-section and the deck like the buoyancy panels retains an outline of 1' by 3'... with each incorporating one-inch low-density insulation foam. As seen here fitted with motors the craft weighs 6.10 kilos or 13.5 pounds, which will be doubled by the addition of ESCs, avionics and (most significantly) the battery-packs.

Posted by: colinhilton - website: https://www.teledrone.com