‍Flying Fish 1 is our in-house hydrofoil demonstrator boat. We developed, built and tested it to prove our hydrofoil control know-how works in practice, in all conditions of wind, waves and maneuvering.

The result? A boat that flies so smoothly we can balance a glass of champagne on deck without spilling a drop. With Flying Fish 1 we show that safe, robust and cost-effective foiling is not just possible, it is ready to scale.

The Challenge

Fast, sustainable vessels are in high demand. Hydrofoils offer major advantages such as up to 80% energy savings, smoother rides and minimal wake. At the same time, they are often seen as expensive and complex. Our challenge was to prove the opposite. Hydrofoils can be cost-effective, reliable and precise. Flying Fish 1 was built to validate our structural design, flight controller and maneuverability in real-world conditions.

The Solution: Flying Fish 1

We started from the requirements of an 18-meter seaworthy hydrofoil vessel and scaled them down 1:10 to create a practical test platform. Step by step we engineered, built and refined the demonstrator:

• 3D-printed foils with integrated actuation
• Dual direct-drive thrusters for low-speed safety and redundancy
• Smart control electronics and battery system

Our project team, consisting of Gijs, Casper, Levien, Gijsbert and Gerben, systematically tested and improved the platform until it delivered the smooth, stable and maneuverable flight we envisioned.

Key Features

• Automatic stabilization for smooth, level flight in wind and waves
• Robust and safe design with impact protection and redundancy
• Cost-effective foils: lightweight, modular and efficient to produce
• High maneuverability with precise turning and cornering
• Efficient performance: low power use, high speed, minimal wake

Validation and Results

Flying Fish 1 has been tested extensively, from calm local waters to rough lakes, and performed without issues. The highlight was our famous Champagne Campaign Test. During a half-hour flight, a full glass of champagne stood untouched on deck, not a drop spilled. This showed not only stability but also the comfort and reliability our system delivers.

Through this process we validated:

• Our structural design approach
• Our advanced flight controller
• Smooth maneuvering and robust cornering

Check out the results in this video

Future Outlook

Flying Fish 1 is the foundation for the next generation of hydrofoil vessels.

We provide complete hydrofoil systems, including:

• Sensors, control hardware and software
• Hydrofoils and structural integration
• Electric propulsion when required

Applications range from passenger boats and ferries to defense, patrol and crew transfer vessels. In 2025 we will scale up to a manned prototype, bringing robust foiling to real operations.

Let’s Make Your Boat Fly

If you want your next vessel to fly smoothly, safely and efficiently, let’s make it happen together. Get in touch with our co-founders and discover how Flying Fish can deliver champagne-smooth foiling for your operation.

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