About FOIL DRONE
Background
There are now numerous ocean capable drone manufacturing companies in existence with a wide variety of vessels, driven by waves, wind or motor. The technology is advancing and these vessels are now demonstrating the ability to reliably perform useful operations.
However, all the existing ASV drones are speed limited either due to reliance on wind/waves or hydrodynamic drag from traditional hulls. It is apparent that there is a need for a new type of vessel, one that is dramatically faster than all others, not reliant on wind or waves, Having a very large solar array and high efficiency hydrofoils provides high speed and long range as well as enabling many sensors and large real time data streams from anywhere on the planet.
Development
This new vessel has been designed by Chris Todter, principal designer and co-founder of Ocean Aero and SubSeaSail. These companies’ vessels are submergence capable, sailing drones, with solar power sufficient for sensor, computer and high bandwidth communications requirements.
This new development provides a substantial improvement in speed, efficiency, range and power capabilities of all current ASV’s in use or development.
Principle/Inventor Bio
Electrical Engineer University of Michigan
30+ years America’s Cup yachting involvement as Designer, Design Manager, Technical Director
Engineering manager for Dulmont, world’s first laptop computer
Holder of first Patent issued for Noise Cancelling headphones
Holder of 15+ patents in multiple disciplines
Principle designer of OceanAero, ASV company
Principle designer and co-founder of SubSeaSail, ASV company
OPPORTUNITY
DIVERSIFY PRODUCT RANGE
This is an opportunity for a company already in the autonomous vessel industry wishing to diversify their product range, moving toward a high-performance vessel, without having to go through a multi year development program.
PATENT AND DESIGNS AVAILABLE
The patent and designs are available at a price commensurate with the cost of development of a similarly capable vessel.
LARGER SCALE PROTOTYPE
If a larger scale prototype is desired, funding for its development would give a first option for purchase.
CONSULTATION AVAILABLE
Some period of consulting during transition to manufacturing would be available.