First Hydrogen-Electric Flying Boat in the world
2022-09-14French sustainable mobility startup SeaBubbles has unveiled its life-size version of SeaBubble, the world premiere of an electric flying boat powered by hydrogen, at the Cannes Yachting Festival. SeaBubbles provides a zero wave, zero noise, zero emissions navigation experience for passenger transport.
According to the company, SeaBubble defines a new generation of vessels designed to provide an unprecedented future sailing experience while protecting natural ecosystems.
The SeaBubble is a vessel featured 8 meters long and 3.5 meters wide that can accommodate up to 12 passengers depending on the configuration. The airship is powered by a hybrid system of hydrogen fuel cells and battery packs. It is elevated by the “inverted T-foil” combination, ensuring stability and sensational navigation.
Combined with an automatic and retractable foil, SeaBubble offers two and a half hours of autonomous operation, enabling it to travel 50 nautical miles (90 km) at 18 knots (35 km/h) while recharging at a hydrogen station in just four minutes (3x 350 bar under 3.2 kg of hydrogen).
The interior design and roof were inspired by the automotive industry. The capsule offers a comfortable city and intercity commute thanks to its cabin, which enables passengers to ride comfortably in all seasons.
In addition, the silent, zero-emission airship is equipped with a fly-by-wire control system, depth, speed and temperature sensors, a self-draining cockpit as well as a ventilation system, air conditioning and heating. Other features include anti-fouling, personalization, sound system, high quality seats and so on.
The innovation of SeaBubbles is closely linked to the supply infrastructure and to the development of the hydrogen industry and the local ecosystem to which it contributes.
