So I just watched a video of the Flying Ship Company’s new drone that skims across the ocean. It’s supposed to be 10x faster than a boat and costs way less than a plane. Plus, it can carry up to 22kg of cargo with a range of 80km. Seems like it could totally shake up sea transport! Anyone else seen this or have thoughts?
I saw that video too! The whole ‘skimming the ocean’ thing looks so futuristic. Do you know how it works?
Bowie said:
I saw that video too! The whole ‘skimming the ocean’ thing looks so futuristic. Do you know how it works?
Yeah, it uses something called ground effect. It creates an air cushion when it flies close to the water. Pretty wild, right?
Bowie said:
I saw that video too! The whole ‘skimming the ocean’ thing looks so futuristic. Do you know how it works?
What’s ground effect? Never heard of it before.
Bowie said:
I saw that video too! The whole ‘skimming the ocean’ thing looks so futuristic. Do you know how it works?
Basically, the air under the wings gets compressed when it’s flying close to the surface, which increases lift. Makes it more efficient too!
22kg of cargo is decent, but can it handle bigger loads for larger-scale shipping?
KennethJackson said:
22kg of cargo is decent, but can it handle bigger loads for larger-scale shipping?
They’ve got bigger models in the works! Apparently, they’ll be able to haul up to 6,000 pounds. Sounds like it’s just getting started.
KennethJackson said:
22kg of cargo is decent, but can it handle bigger loads for larger-scale shipping?
Nice, that’s promising. Imagine what it could do for inter-island shipping!
Does it really cost that much less than a plane though? What’s the catch?
Charley said:
Does it really cost that much less than a plane though? What’s the catch?
Yep, it’s way cheaper! They say it cuts costs to about a quarter of what a plane would charge.
Charley said:
Does it really cost that much less than a plane though? What’s the catch?
Dang, that’s a huge difference. Wonder how they keep costs so low?
Charley said:
Does it really cost that much less than a plane though? What’s the catch?
Probably because it’s battery-powered and sticks to coastal routes. Less fuel, fewer regulations maybe?
Anyone know if it’s reliable? 80km range seems kinda short for some routes.
Robin said:
Anyone know if it’s reliable? 80km range seems kinda short for some routes.
They’ve tested it in over 70 flights, so it sounds like they’ve worked out the kinks. And yeah, the range is limited for now, but bigger models are coming soon!
Robin said:
Anyone know if it’s reliable? 80km range seems kinda short for some routes.
Good to know they’re scaling up. I guess for now it’s great for shorter trips.
Wait, does this mean it can land anywhere along the coast? That’d be super convenient.
Haven said:
Wait, does this mean it can land anywhere along the coast? That’d be super convenient.
Yeah, it can beach anywhere! That’s part of the appeal—makes it way more flexible than regular planes or boats.
Haven said:
Wait, does this mean it can land anywhere along the coast? That’d be super convenient.
Wow, that’s a game-changer for places without proper ports. Could really help smaller islands.