High-speed hydrofoils for the Russian Far East basin (review)

Abstract: In Russia, first in the world, there were made and came into wide practical use boats using hydrofoil technology, that is equipped with the wing that enables them to raise their hull out of the water: those are hydrofoils and ekranoplans. The boats of both types share the same principle of movement: the hull being raised out of the water greatly reduces hull dag, which correspondingly provides a considerable increase in speed. Sea conditions, however, add problems with ensuring their seaworthiness. The experience in operating hydrofoils is important to open avenues for their further development. The authors present the analytical overview of the historical experience in operating hydrofoils in the Russian Far East basin and describe the current situation. They provide forecast of the development of the hydrofoil fleet in the region as well