Computer Stabilized Foil PWC Concept

EFOIL.builders Builds
#1

Hi everyone!

I had gotten bit by the eFoil bug last year when I saw a lift foil gliding down the beach and ever since then I have been on a mission to create my own version of a foil PWC. I am starting with a scale model to develop the design and test how some of the control systems work. Right now the model is just 3D printed and I am using a Pixhawk flight controller to stabilize the craft.

I am making videos showing the design and progress of my work and posting them to my YouTube Channel Intuitive Engineering

There are of course many details involved so please do not hesitate to ask about anything! Want to keep this post simple for the casual observers :slightly_smiling_face:

My most recent video shows the model working quite well actually, and supporting a heavy load as it flies through the chop!

Thanks for your time and happy foiling!

3 Likes
#2

This is really incredible stuff. I think a lot of folks have been toying around with this idea for foils. You’ve made a great model. It be super to know more about the control methodologies and ideas you might have into implementing this on a mast with the proper actuator.

Mo

#3

Nice, but i think you should change concept and put those rearwing elevons in the front. This way you coul as well controll speed and height more easily

#4

Great stuff. Both the engineering and documenting.
Packing grease into electronic components works for a short while. Heat and humidity make water ingress everywhere - especially in moving parts.
Implementing rubber bellow seals in the design is quick and easy - even in poor surface finish found on 3d printed parts.

Rubber Bellow Seal
Rubber Bellow Seal658×591 71.7 KB

#5

The rear wing can definitely control the pitch of the craft and actually act as a way to increase the maximum front AoA during lift off or compensate for less than ideal feedback when going over waves or other surface disturbances.

The main thing is that I do not want too much going on in the front and to keep as much of the electronics in the rear as possible.

Thanks for your comment and interest!

#6

Hey!

Yes it definitely only works for a while, I realized that the servos needed to be waterproof after I bought them! At least they were really cheap if they break!

The bellows are certainly a good idea and I will keep them in mind for using with 3d prints!