SEAir Press Release
The complete design and engineering studies behind this ambitious French-led project are fully funded by the European E-DIDP program and will be delivered at the end of 2023.
SEAir is the technical leader, while the DGA ensure the good operational and technological suitability of the vessel, coordinating exchanges with their Danish and Spanish counterparts.
TRANSFLYTOR
TRANSFLYTOR aims to open up new options for engagement in maritime defense and special naval operations in the face of the challenges posed by the extension of national security threats in our continental approaches (clandestine aggression against offshore installations, terrorism, disaster at sea, etc.) and by hostile access conditions, approaches and coastlines (“Anti Access/Area Denial”). Our ship is conceived to operate at high speed (on foils), with multi-missions capability (special forces, drones, …), while being discreet (reduced signature), and capable of ocean operation (long range, launch from amphibious vessel) and highly militarized (armament, sensors, C2I).
In an ever-changing geopolitical context, defence and security capacities are challenged. Interventions at seas require to transport few specialized people, far away, at a maximal speed. TRANSFLYTOR aims to design a disruptive high-speed 20m long vessel, using ground-breaking retractable hydrofoil systems.
The vessel will be able to navigate using hydrofoils on deep sea during transit phases, and without hydrofoils in shallow water or during approach phases.
Hydrofoils will be automatically regulated to get more stability (shocks reduced by up to 50%), increase the average speed and reach a max speed (45 kts), while decreasing a lot fuel consumption (-30%).
Specific propulsion systems, compatible with the hydrofoils, will ensure both to reach high speeds and to discretely approach the operational point. The general arrangement and deck equipment will allow long range navigations, furtivity, and versatility of the boat.
The project will use an innovative approach based on cutting-edge simulation tools, which will enable to by-pass prototype stage and tank tests: i) accelerate time-to-market (commercialisation planned as of 2028); ii) dramatically reduce development costs. This boat will be designed to specifically meet European Special Forces needs, complying with Navies, naval and NATO standards. In the future, the core design will ease further development of large high-speed boats for other military or civilian applications (rescue, environment, wind farm, CTV…).
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Naval News comments:
The project was unveiled at Euronaval 2022 but the design was kept under wraps until SOFINS 2023. SEAir is also known for its E-FlyCO project.