Hydrofoil

A hydrofoil is a boat with wing-like foils mounted on struts below the hull (ship). As the craft increases its speed the hydrofoils develop enough lift for the boat to become foilborne - i.e. to raise the hull up and out of the water. This results in a great reduction in drag and a corresponding increase in speed.

Early days hydrofoil used U-shape foils, but modern days hydrofoil use T-shape foils which allow better maneuverability.

In the Soviet Union, there was much experimentation with hydrofoils and construction of hydrofoil ferries with streamlined designs, especially in the 1970s and in the 1980s. Such vessels include the Meteor type and the Vokhod type (which is smaller than the Meteor type), and they have inspired people in the former Soviet Union to continue tinkering with hydrofoils and selling them to hydrofoil companies.

Some operators of hydrofoil include:

• Turbojet Ferry, which speeds passengers across the Pearl River Delta between Hong Kong and Macau in just over an hour, with an average speed of 60 knots. Also services Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Kowloon. Operated by Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited.

External link

• Turbojet - Hong Kong to Macau Ferry