The Sea Cheetah, a hydrogen-powered flying ship, promises fast travel without carbon emissions. Its concept is based on ground effect, a technology that could disrupt the sector.
The startup Sea Cheetah, based in Miami, is working on the design of this vehicle. The aircraft, capable of carrying passengers or cargo, will be propelled by electric motors powered byhydrogenproduced locally on H2Hub platforms.
Ground effect, exploited by the aircraft, creates additional lift when flying at low altitude over water. This technology would significantly increase autonomy while reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the Sea Cheetah is also distinguished by its regulatory framework. In the United States, it is not considered as an airplane but as a ship, which avoids the cumbersome air certification process, and ultimately accelerates its deployment. commercial. The design of the aircraft features a large, thick wing, optimized for ground effect, and equipped with winglets, small fins placed at the ends to improve stability and aerodynamics. On the upper surface of this imposing wing are mounted two large electric motors, carefully streamlined to minimize drag and improve performance.
Under the device, large modules serve not only as floats for water landing, but also as tanks for hydrogen. Depending on the form in which this hydrogen is stored — gaseous or liquid — the autonomy of the vehicle could be considerably increased, potentially doubled if liquid hydrogen is used.
However, several technical obstacles remain. Swell and waves are a major problem, as they can disrupt the stability of the aircraft in flight, making it difficult to maintain at low altitude. Furthermore, the integration of this type of vehicle into maritime traffic raises questions.
Its high speed, much higher than that of traditional ships, and its difficulty in stopping quickly pose safety problems. The device must therefore be equipped with advanced systems to anticipate and avoid collisions, while adapting to existing maritime navigation rules.
Despite these obstacles, the Sea Cheetah is not alone in this market. The Viceroy Seaglider, another ground-effect aircraft, already has working prototypes. This emerging sector is sparking fierce competition to become a leader in zero-emission transportation.
What is ground effect?
Ground effect is a phenomenon aerodynamic which occurs when an airplane or flying device flies very close to the Earth’s surface, generally at an altitude lower than its wingspan. This proximity to the ground creates air compression under the wings, increasing lift and reducing drag.
Under these conditions, the device benefits from better energy efficiency. It can travel a greater distance using less fuel than a plane flying at high altitude.
