Vertex Will Normally Fly Just A Few Feet Above The Water

London-based technology company Exclin has taken the wraps off the "Vertex Recreational Vehicle", which it describes as a "next-generation, fuel-efficient vehicle concept that will offer pilots an exhilarating, low-altitude flight over sea."

Based on patented Vertex Lift System technology, the vehicle will also be capable of vertical take-off, and the ability to explore far-flung island locations beyond the range of a speedboat. Because it flies close to the water using "wing in ground-effect" (WIG) technology, the Vertex Recreational Vehicle will be more efficient than a plane and faster than most boats, the company says.

The company also claims that the Vertex Lift System will offer a level of stability and controllability that conventional WIG vehicles cannot ­­– meaning it could start a major shift in fuel-efficient maritime transport.

The Vertex Recreational Vehicle is made possible by Exclin's patented Vertex Lift System. This system takes conventional WIG technology and adds "lift thrust", providing control and stability independent of vehicle speed. The technology solves a key challenge faced by conventional WIG vehicles, potentially opening up a new product class.

The "lift thrust" technology also means the vehicle can take off vertically from a ground surface while still offering the flexibility of conventional take-off and landing on ground or water.

The Vertex vehicle will offer pilots the sheer pleasure of flying a high-speed craft within metres of the water's surface – offering high levels of comfort relative to a speedboat. The high speed of the craft – 80 knots – means it can reach locations further afield than most boats, such as islands and distant coves. The company believes the vehicle will be easy to fly and require limited training compared to an aircraft – giving it a low "barrier to entry" for pilots.

To meet the specific needs of recreational pilots, it will be possible to separate the main wing from the body, in order to tow the Vertex Recreational Vehicle with a car. Classified as a "WIG type B" maritime vehicle, the Vertex Recreational Vehicle will be competitive to fly, operate and own.

Exclin says that because of the Vertex Lift System, the Vertex Recreational Vehicle will represent a step forward for WIG vehicle safety – overcoming barriers to developing this product class. When the vehicle is in ground-effect mode – flying a few yards from the water surface – the lift system is designed to respond dynamically to changes in conditions such as gusts of wind, to give the vehicle extra stability and control. In addition, the vehicle will have the ability to operate in free flight, up to the maximum altitude of 500 feet allowed for a WIG type B vehicle. Although this will not be as fuel-efficient, it means the vehicle can be operated safely in harsh conditions, such as rough seas.

The company says that its Vertex Lift System technology could revolutionize freight transport in maritime locations – enabling a combination of speed and efficiency that fills a gap in the value chain. Because of their range and speed, Vertex vehicles will be well placed to take advantage of the trend toward faster, point-to-point high-speed connections as an alternative to congested, hub-specific travel routes.

They could also operate in destinations that are out of reach of boats, such as beaches and hangars – and can fly over frozen waters or via Arctic routes. Compared to boats, Vertex vehicles would also be able to operate for a longer period of the year – making them more reliable for the needs of high-speed freight.

(Image provided with Exclin media release)

FMI: www.exclin.com