Aerospace

Meet the AirFish, a remarkable fusion of boat and airplane—a standout innovation of 2024.

The AirFish 8 (AF8) is a unique watercraft that resembles an aircraft but operates primarily on water, flying no more than 7 meters above the surface. It’s classified as a Water Aircraft due to its distinctive use of basic physics principles to maintain contact with the water’s surface. Significantly faster than most boats yet slower than traditional aircraft, it offers a blend of speed and efficiency.

How high can the AirFish 8 fly?

Capable of carrying payloads up to 1000kg and reaching speeds of up to 106 knots, the AF8 features dimensions of 17m x 15m and is designed to accommodate 8-10 passengers, including a crew of 2, in a standard civilian transport setup. The Air Fish, with its V8 engine producing 500 HP and fueled by gasoline of Octane 95 or above, features a carbon fiber reinforced plastic/sandwich composite construction.

With a range of approximately 300 nautical miles, it turns in a ground effect mode within about 160 meters and in displacement mode within approximately 100 meters.

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The AirFish 8 is meticulously crafted to comply with guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), emphasizing safety and operational standards. it can fly no more than 7 meters above the surface.

What is the cruising speed of the AirFish 8?

The aircraft is designed with a unique Delta wing structure that promotes smooth airflow beneath its surface, ensuring balanced airflow to keep it grounded. Operating in close proximity to the ground or water, not exceeding its wingspan in altitude, triggers the wing-in-ground effect.

This reduces induced drag, enhancing the wing’s lift efficiency at specific speeds. The aircraft may have speed and airflow limits that can be controlled from the cockpit. Powered by a car engine using standard petrol fuel, readily available in the market, it operates with lower consumption and is cost-effective. It can crusie upto 106 knots speed and can consumes high octane fuel.

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ST Engineering AirX is at the forefront of advancing wing-in-ground effect technology with its Airfish 8 prototype crafts. The company aims to pioneer the mass production of these sea-skimming marine vehicles for both commercial and military use.

Pilots and passengers often perceive this effect during landings as a prolonged “float.” Moreover, the wing creates a cushion of high-pressure air beneath the craft, further reducing drag and enhancing fuel efficiency. This configuration allows the aircraft to generate significantly greater aerodynamic lift relative to its wing size and fuel usage, enabling it to carry heavier loads economically.

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Certification

Lloyd’s Register: 100A1 WIG
MCH TYPE A Passenger

Dimensions

Overall length: 17.2 meters
Overall height: 3.5 meters
Cabin length: 4.0 meters
Cabin width: 1.4 meters
Wingspan: 15.0 meters
Draught, waterborne: 0.55 meters (maximum)

Payload Capacity

Useful load: 1000 kg
Baggage capacity: 160 kg
Seating capacity: 2 crew members + 6 to 8 passengers

Engine

V8, 500 HP
Fuel: Gasoline, Octane 95 or above
Consumption: Approximately 70 liters per hour under normal conditions

Construction

Carbon fiber reinforced plastic/sandwich composite

Performance

Operating height: Up to 7 meters
Maximum speed: 106 knots
Cruising speed: Approximately 80 knots
Takeoff distance: Approximately 500 meters
Landing distance: Approximately 300 to 500 meters
Range: Approximately 300 nautical miles
Turning radius:
- Ground effect mode: Approximately 160 meters
- Displacement mode: Approximately 100 meters

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.