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Focus 21 France uses ground effect to zip above the waves
When you're floating around on your super yacht, sometimes you need to make a quick getaway, and that's where this Focus 21 France design concept might be just what you're looking for. You can configure it for 15 passengers, 12 passengers with plenty of room for freight, or choose a VIP version where you can stretch out in the lap of luxury while you skim over the waves at speeds much faster than a helicopter.
The Focus 21 France is designed to use the "ground effect" principle, a fuel-efficient way of flying at tremendous speed at a height of up to twice the craft's wingspan over either water or land. Because of that ground effect, the craft doesn't require as much lift as a conventional aircraft, but can still enjoy the benefits of flying, such as increased speed and a smoother ride. Looks like a perfect way to get to shore fast.
Gizmo Watch, via Coolest Gadgets
By LJ at 5:05 PM ON 12/06/07
So this is like the old Soviet "Ekranoplan" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekranoplan). It's a cool idea -- adding the hovercraft aspect to keep it above-ground is a great idea to make it marketable!
By LJ at 5:05 PM ON 12/06/07
So this is like the old Soviet "Ekranoplan" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ekranoplan). It's a cool idea -- adding the hovercraft aspect to keep it above-ground is a great idea to make it marketable!
By Angry Kreyon at 5:55 PM ON 12/06/07
What kind of article is this? there is no info here. is it real or concept? lets do better please.
By DOBrooks3 at 8:19 PM ON 12/06/07
Focus 21 France uses ground effect to zip above the waves.
By Sanch at 10:44 PM ON 12/06/07
I think I could do better. It's nice though.
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By Mojohns44 at 4:55 PM ON 12/07/07
This article is devoid of information. How fast is it? What the range? Engine type? People who enjoy sci fi or engineering cool stuff have inquiring minds. This doesn't feed it.
By nobletarkan at 2:00 AM ON 12/08/07
The article is so devoid of substansive information that it is a waste of time...
By Eyedoll at 12:46 PM ON 12/08/07
This article really caught my eye at first sight. It is interesting yet it lacks details. I would've liked a few more details.
By blackmale_959 at 12:42 PM ON 12/09/07
At first sight i love the style. I live on one of the great lakes and the 12 would be great for running from city to city. For me a real down side is the range. I would require a range of 250-300km.
By CJB at 3:00 PM ON 12/09/07
I agree on the lack of any substance in the article, but wing in ground effect hovercraft are real, in fact we have one where I work. Point your browsers at http://www.universalhovercraft.com/
By CAPTAIN LUCY at 4:54 AM ON 12/10/07
Agreed on the lack of substance. What's its speed? Range? Weight/displacement? Powerplant? Prospective cost?
By skeptic at 8:06 PM ON 02/13/08
fly at a height of twice the wing SPAN? Perhaps you meant the wing chord, ie. Distance from front to back of a wing. Span is from 1 wing's tip to the other's.
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skeptic:
fly at a height of twice the wing SPAN? Perhaps you meant the wing chord, ie. Distance from front to back of a win...More »