Ahuman-powered hydrofoil is a smallhydrofoilwatercraft propelled entirely by the muscle power of its operator(s).[1] Hydrofoils are the fastest water-based vehicles propelled solely by human power. They can reach speeds of up to 34 km/h (21 mph; 18 kn),[1][2][3] easily exceeding theworld records set by competitiverowing which stand at about 20 km/h (12 mph; 11 kn). This speed advantage is achieved since hydrofoils lack a submerged body to providebuoyancy, greatly reducing thedrag force.[1]
Means of propulsion includescrew propellers, as inhydrocycles;aircraft propellers, as in theDecavitator;paddles, as in aFlyak; oars, as in the Yale hydrofoil sculling project;[4] and flapping wings, as detailed below.
Flapping wing propulsion devices are hydrofoils that produce propulsion by forcing a foil to move up and down in the water. The forward motion of the foil then generates lift as in other hydrofoils. A common design consists of a large foil at thestern that is used both for propulsion and keeping the passenger above the water, connected to a smaller foil at thebow used for steering and longitudinal stability. Riders operate the vehicle by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the stern, whilst holding onto a steering column.[5][6] It is started and landed from the shore, or preferably from a dock, and requires a bit of experience. When moving too slowly, it will sink, and the range of possible speeds is 9–30 km/h (5.6–18.6 mph; 4.9–16.2 kn).[6]
Several variations on the design have been developed:
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