Article
Article
Hydrofoil craft
Article By:
McKesson, Chris B. Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Last reviewed:December 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.328400
A form of high-speed ship that supports its weight by means of wings (properly called hydrofoils, or simply foils) beneath the surface of the water. The hydrofoils generate lift by movement in the same manner as an airplane wing. The hydrofoil was conceived in order to produce faster ships. The most effective means of developing a faster ship is to find a way to lift the hull clear of the water. This greatly reduces the drag on the hull, in turn greatly reducing the power required to drive the ship. The hydrofoil ship is one means to this end. See also: Airfoil; Ship powering, maneuvering and seakeeping
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