The flying river boats that you may soon see on the River Thames

[Alan de Enfield]

Recent developments along the River Thames have caused us to reflect on what transport solutions we need along the capital's most prominent transport route.

At Hammersmith, locals are stranded either side of a bridge in desperate need of repair, while plans to introduce another ferry at Rotherhithe were scrapped.

The problem of East London Thames crossings still remains unsolved with the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnel plans facing heavy opposition and the Crossrail tunnel at Woolwich is still not open to passenger trains.

A novel solution could come in the form of flying river boats which glide along the surface of the water.

Last weekend at giant technology forum Vivatech, BubbleFly, a European challenger business, unveiled its BubbleFly Jets and Liners. These are two types of vehicle which use technology adapted from sailing as well as hydrofoils and helicopters to turn taxi-like capsules into vessels which hover and glide over the water.

 

 

The Jet model is similar to a giant Tesla on water, so can act like a typical taxi or a private high performance vehicle. The Liner model would be more of a top-range craft - think of a fully kitted-out Mercedes van or minibus with comfier seats and panoramic views.

As the boats technically 'fly' the sensation is more akin to the wings of a plane/hovercraft than a boat so there's no sea sickness involved.

 

The flying river boats that you may soon see on the River Thames - MyLondon

[nicknorman]

Hmm a large wake from the hydrofoils, partially hidden by the night shot with limited lighting. Wouldn’t like that to be passing my narrowboat as it goes past the Houses of Parliament etc. Plus, with that much disturbance of water (= wasted energy) it’s not exactly a green solution.

[frangar]

This just reaffirms that London is a place best avoided at all costs! 

[Alan de Enfield]

1 hour ago, nicknorman said:

Hmm a large wake from the hydrofoils,

 

 

Wake ?

 

 

[Old Son]

1 hour ago, Alan de Enfield said:

 

 

Wake ?

 

 

 

Look at the picture in your OP, definitely a wake!!

[David Mack]

And how does this help at Hammersmith? Perhaps these new flying boats can really fly, and could pass over the bridge while other boats are prevented from passing under it!

[Alan de Enfield]

10 minutes ago, Old Son said:

 

Look at the picture in your OP, definitely a wake!!

 

Look again - spray, but defintely no wake. The picture has 'frozen' the spray, and can also be seen clearer in the 2nd (daylight) picture.

Look behind the boat - barely a ripple.

[Ducgas]

Almost definitely photoshopped....

[Chris Lowe]

Ahh a smaller version of the IOM vomit comet