This is an animated GIF file of the SeaRam 2
seaplane project.
The SeaRam seaplane project is based on a new type of simple kite-boat design. Made from lightweight corrosion resistant composite materials and powered by electric jet thruster motors, the SeaRam should be capable of flying great distances over water. Large versions should be able to carry passengers and/or cargo from small seaports around the world much like the great seaplanes did some sixty years ago.
This SeaRam 2 design image was created on an Atari ST using the Cyber Studio/Sculpt program. Employing Imagecopy 3 to translate 53 Degas files into 53 GIF files, this animated SeaRam 2 GIF file was developed on a Macintosh Performa 6360 using the freeware program GifBuilder 0.5.
Common to all seaplane designs is the unique delta-foil wing that is similar to earlier hang-glider wing designs. If designed properly, the wing leaves little or no wing wake -- which is found in most all aircraft wing designs. By avoiding this wing wake phenomenon, and directing all drag to the wing tail by way of a connecting foil surface, this unique delta-foil wing design is shaped to balance drag with inertia to help overcome gravity during flight. Use of an onboard gyrostabilizer may help control flight parameters and may be the only controlling device necessary for steering the aircraft in future versions.
The T series of trimarans are based on a simple design that is scalable from small plywood or plastic versions to large oceangoing metal or wood ships. The winged pontoons are removable for easy transport and reassembly on all versions. Powered by the easy to assemble freestanding Lateen Sail Rig, the need to support the mast to the flexible arms of the craft is not necessary. The winged pontoons are designed to give lift to the craft under forward movement and yet have enough stable buoyancy when not underway. The arms that support the pontoons have only enough flex in their makeup to allow the pontoons to safely rise and twist while underway. The 3 V-hull design should allow the craft to track upwind in shallow water nicely.
These design images were created using the Anim8or and the Virtual Sailor programs.