Equipmake supplies e-drivetrain for electric flying boat

Equipmake has supplied an electric drivetrain system for the SpiritBARTech35EF, an electric flying boat. (Photos: Equipmake)

UK-based engineering firm Equipmake has supplied a bespoke electric drivetrain system for the new SpiritBARTech35EF, an electric flying boat.

The project’s drivetrain features a specially adapted version of the Equipmake’s lightweight, power-dense HPM-400 motor, which reaches 80 kW of peak power, with an integrated gearbox, Equipmake’s HPI-450 IGBT inverter and a custom 120 kWh-battery pack also comprise the electric drivetrain.

“On behalf of everyone at Equipmake, I’m proud we have played a key role with Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies on this incredible electric flying boat, which truly sets new standards for long-range electric vessels,” said Equipmake CEO Ian Foley, a former F1 engineer. “Our in-house-developed electrification technology has many varied high-performance applications, from aerospace to automotive, and the SpiritBARTech35EF is the perfect showcase for how it can be applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market.”

The SpiritBARTech35EF – a collaboration between Spirit Yachts, which designs and builds modern classic yachts, and advanced marine engineering company BAR Technologies – and the two companies said the electric flying boat is the first of its kind to have a fast-cruising range of 100 nautical miles.

Using BAR’s America’s Cup simulation and designs, the 35-foot, 1-ton vehicle has three active retractable foils to help minimize drag.

The SpiritBARTech35EF electric flying boat can reach a top speed of 28 knots (32 mph).

Constructed from a mix of titanium and cold-molded wood with a carbon fiber-reinforced shell, the SpiritBARTech35EF can reach a top speed of 28 knots (32 mph) and can achieve its total range at a speed of 22 knots (25 mph).

“We firmly believe that the future of this sector will be defined by developments in the sustainability and efficiency of vessels,” said BAR Technologies CEO John Cooper. “We have been delighted to partner with Equipmake on its remarkable powertrain. Ian Foley and his team are true leaders in the field of electrification and share our ethos of lightweighting and competition-bred design and development. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to work together.”