Sea Cheetah hydrogen WIG

[Stargazer]

US based Sea Cheetah has revealed a concept for a hydrogen-electric wing-in-ground (WIG) effect fast transport vehicle. The company foresees the WIG would be refuelled by a distributed network of marine hydrogen production hubs – allowing high-speed passenger and cargo missions. The Sea Cheetah would have a payload of 2.5t or 20 passengers, a range of 435nm and a cruising speed of 135kt. The company said that it could enter service in 2026.

Source: AEROSPACE Magazine, November 2024

Miami startup Sea Cheetah is developing hydrogen-powered wing-in-ground effect (WiGE) aircraft aimed at revolutionizing zero-emission coastal transport. These low-flying vessels, which operate just above the water’s surface, could travel much further and faster than electric boats without requiring FAA certification.
By partnering with H3 Dynamics, Sea Cheetah plans to create a hydrogen generation and fueling network, enhancing range and quick refueling capabilities. The WiGE technology offers significant efficiency advantages, potentially allowing these aircraft to cover 2.3 times the distance of traditional aircraft on the same energy source.
While specific details are still under wraps, the concept involves high-surface-area wings and large pontoons for hydrogen storage, promising a range extension that could make these vessels competitive against traditional air travel. Sea Cheetah's innovative approach could lead to a new era in sustainable transport.

Official website: https://seacheetah.com/

 

[DWG]

Source: AEROSPACE Magazine, November 2024

"refuelled by a distributed network of marine hydrogen production hubs – allowing high-speed passenger and cargo missions. The Sea Cheetah would have ... a cruising speed of 135kt. "

Clearly some new definition of 'high speed'!

 

[Scott Kenny]

"could enter service in 2026"?

smells like low grade steer manure to me.

 

[DWG]

"could enter service in 2026"?

smells like low grade steer manure to me.

Definitely ripe.

If they'd started certification testing, maybe. But AFAICS they haven't even built anything yet.

 

[publiusr]

Cheetah is a name best reserved for the Flying Crowbar….this looks like Richard Benjamin’s ride in Quark.