Advanced Aerodynamics Vessels

French start-up A2V (Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels) recently unveiled a prototype called ‘Lili’ that has the ability to glide on water at 100 km/h. The futuristic design was involved work from Marc Lombard and the Fernand Hervé Shipyard to develop the aerodynamic lift that is the reason behind its jaw-dropping velocity and reduced fuel consumption.

Lili is designed to be super lightweight with an aerodynamic form so the more it accelerates, the less it sinks into the water therefore the less fuel it uses. In fact, it uses three times less fuel than other vessels of its kind and ten times lesser than a helicopter going the same distance, The 10-meter-long boat is constructed with 3.5 tons of plastic and fiberglass. Lili’s shape helps it shift and turn like a fish in water without tipping over. The interior features plush leather seats and large windows making it a favorite among expensive hotels that are on Lake Geneva or Gulf of Guinea. Even the principality of Monaco acquired Lili to connect the Port of Hercules with the Marina of Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia.

With reduced fuel consumption, Lili contributes to cutting down drastically on marine pollution. With this design, A2V is targetting several market segments – personnel transport (oil platforms, wind farms), coastal surveillance (customs, police, anti-piracy), passenger transport, luxury yachting, taxi boats, etc. and theoretically, if this concept is applied across the board it can truly make a big impact on reducing marine pollution. However, this innovative boat is nothing less than a luxury – it costs 1.2 million euros! Hopefully, A2V can find a way to scale down the costs so other sectors using water transport can get the eco-friendly benefits and the speed that Lili brings.

Designer: Advanced Aerodynamics Vessels

This catamaran gives you the thrill of riding the oceans at adrenaline-inducing speeds while being ultra-efficient. Yes, this vessel designed by Advanced Aerodynamics Vessels based out of La Rochelle is crafted to do that, thanks to the wing-like shape, representing a sweeping change from the countless yacht designs you’ve must have seen thus far. It’s not too big nor too small – just perfect to park in the bay area without taking up much space. The catamaran dubbed A2V is 35-foot long, as its cross deck center section generates the right amount of lift for maximum fuel efficiency. The catamaran is powered by twin 350-hp Yanmar turbo-diesels mated to surface drive propellers that reduce draft.

Only two such catamarans have been built so far by Advanced Aerodynamics Vessels. The latest one joins the fleet at Monaco’s Ports, the government agency operating the principality’s busy harbors. The vessel will go into commission beginning spring 2021, as it ferries superyacht owners from Cala del Forte, just eight miles from Ventimiglia, Italy. Carrying a hefty price tag of $1.2 million, this catamaran is created with utmost attention to detail as CEO Lionel Huetz takes pride in its unique form that literally turns it into a flying machine as the air “goes through the tunnel between the hulls,” creating a lift. The design of A2V was perfected in a wind tunnel and tested in seas with towering waves of 8-foot and 35 mph winds, which speaks a lot about the brand’s design principles.

A2V will haul 12 passengers in the most luxurious comfort between the harbors in around 15 minutes, taking up a lot less fuel (at cruising speeds of 57 mph) than other such catamarans, and at a much faster pace of around 70 mph. Passengers seated inside are surrounded by comfy leather seats with large windows in the front that give a panoramic view of the waters. Advanced Aerodynamics Vessels further wants to improve the future A2V versions’ design, making it even more potent with reduced weight and, of course, lavish for the demanding clients!

Designer: Advanced Aerodynamic Vessels