Amid the buzz around the ultra-fast Hyperloop, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has come up with another innovative project—an electric seaglider. Designed by Waterfly Technologies, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, the Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft can fly just above water, reaching speeds of 500 km/hour.

The design was showcased at Aero India earlier this month in Bengaluru. 

The Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft of the model flies four meters above water. The zero-carbon, high-speed alternative transport mode can significantly reduce the travel cost. For instance, the seaglider developed by Waterfly Technologies can reduce the cost of a journey between Mumbai and Cochin (1,445 km) to just Rs 600, according to the founders. The travel time will also be reduced to only 3 hours.

“Travelling from Kolkata to Chennai via WIG craft will cost just Rs 600 per seat for a 1,600 km journey, far cheaper than an AC three-tier train ticket, which costs over Rs 1,500,” Harish Rajesh, CEO and co-founder of Waterfly Technologies, told Moneycontrol during Aero India, which was held from Feb. 10-14.

How Do Electric Seagliders Work

US-based Regent Craft, which also specialises in electric seagliders, explains that the model operates in three modes—float, foil, and fly. Seagliders float on their hulls at docks or while manoeuvring at low speeds. To operate, they lift onto hydrofoils, which are underwater wings. These can reduce drag and help the craft avoid waves in the water. They achieve 300 km/hour speed using “ground effect” by staying just above the surface within one wingspan of the water, according to Regent Craft.

While flying, the ground effect ensures a smoother ride. When foiling, Seagliders can tolerate waves up to five to six feet. They can use the existing dock infrastructure to pick up and drop off passengers. 

Waterfly Technologies claims its innovative product is a 10 times cheaper and sustainable alternative to aeroplanes.

According to reports, the prototype battery-powered model, currently under construction, has a 500 km range. The company is also working on a hydrogen-electric version, which is being designed to cover about 2,000 km.

The prototype of the project is expected to be completed by 2025. Waterfly also expects to unveil a full-scale 20-seater payload by 2026, The Financial Express reported.

Meanwhile, industrialist Anand Mahindra also praised IIT-Madras for its startup ecosystem leading to innovative ventures.

“IIT Madras promises to rival Silicon Valley in terms of nurturing startups…,” Mahindra said in a post on X.

 “Almost every week there’s news of a new ‘TechVenture.’ What I like about this one is not just the promise of exploitation of our vast waterways, but the fact that the design of the craft is stunning! Design Rules!” he added.

India’s First Hyperloop Avishkar

Earlier this week, IIT-Madras unveiled India’s first Hyperloop test track, Avishkar. Built inside the campus, the model seeks to create a low-pressure environment for high-speed trains. The institute believes that once completed, hyperloops will allow trains to travel at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/hour. The project has been funded by the Indian Railways and has received a grant of $3 million so far.

. Read more on Nation by NDTV Profit.Designed by Waterfly Technologies, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, it claims its innovative product is a 10 times cheaper and sustainable alternative to aeroplanes.  Read MoreNation, Business 

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