Embodiments of the present apparatus and method feature a permanently fixed canted keel. The apparatus and method feature tacking maneuvers which shift the sail element and reverse the direction of the hull form.

Systems and associated methods for rapid integration and control of payloads carded by a multi-mode, unmanned vehicle configured to accommodate a variety of payloads of varying size, shape, and interface and control characteristics. Mechanical, power, signal, and logical interfaces to a variety of payloads operate to enable environmental protection, efficient placement and connection to the vehicle, and control of those payloads in multiple environmental modes as well as operational modes (including in air, on the surface of water surface, and underwater).

The invention relates to an at least partially wind-propelled ship, comprising a double airfoil mounted on a structure controlled angularly around a generally vertical axis depending on conditions, where the double airfoil comprises a fore flap and an aft flap at least one of which has a fore-to-aft asymmetry and separated by a slit, where each flap comprises a series of shape members distributed in height, wherein said structure comprises a fore mast and an aft mast connected by a boom member and by a gaff member.

The shape members of the fore flap are traversed by the fore mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby, while the shape members of the aft flap are traversed by the aft mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby.

In addition, the aft mast is twistable, the shape members of the aft flap are rotationally locked to said aft mast, and the controller is capable of acting on the bottom and the top of the aft mast.

The invention relates to an at least partially wind-propelled ship, comprising a double airfoil mounted on a structure controlled angularly around a generally vertical axis depending on conditions, where the double airfoil comprises a fore flap and an aft flap at least one of which has a fore-to-aft asymmetry and separated by a slit, where each flap comprises a series of shape members distributed in height, wherein said structure comprises a fore mast and an aft mast connected by a boom member and by a gaff member.

The shape members of the fore flap are traversed by the fore mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby, while the shape members of the aft flap are traversed by the aft mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby.

In addition, the aft mast is twistable, the shape members of the aft flap are rotationally locked to said aft mast, and the controller is capable of acting on the bottom and the top of the aft mast.

The present disclosure relates to a wing. More specifically, aspects of the invention relate to a variable shaped wing movable incrementally between a neutral configuration and a deformed configuration, wherein the wing takes a reflexed camber aerofoil section shape in the deformed configuration. The wing includes a first aerofoil segment and a second aerofoil segment having ends connected or fixed to one another at opposing neutral leading and trailing edges and spaced apart from one another along their lengths across a neutral mean camber line extending between the neutral leading and trailing edges to form a neutral aerofoil section of the wing. One or more actuators deform the wing between the neutral aerofoil section and a reflexed camber aerofoil section, with the first and second aerofoil segments being resilient to bias the wing towards an initial at rest aerofoil section.

A substantially hollow wingsail is configured to enable electrical components to be situated within the wingsail. In particular, the wingsail may be configured to contain the solar panels used to power the other electrical components of the vessel, as well as other items that are conventionally situated on the exterior of the vessel, such as antennas, navigation lights, and so on. The surface of the wingsail may include transparent or translucent areas to provide light to the solar panels, as well as optical and electromagnetic reflective areas within the wingsail to enhance the performance of the solar panels and antennas. The wingsail may also include an internal light that illuminates the translucent areas of the wingsail for enhanced visibility to other vessels.

A passively controlled fluid foil has a span; and a rigid spar extending in the spanwise direction, a cellular material and a flexible outer surface defining a profile of the outer surface of the foil and encapsulating the cellular material and the spar.

The propulsion system for vessels comprises at least one suction sail (3), comprising the suction sail (3) a suction system (10) and a driving unit (8) for driving the rotation of said at least one suction sail (3), in which at least one suction sail (3) also comprises a plurality of sensors (12, 13, 14, 15) connected to a control unit (9), whose control unit determines the operation of the suction system (10) and the transmission unit (8).

It permits to provide a propulsion system for vessels that permits to optimize their performance using suction sails.

The propulsion system for vessels comprises at least one suction sail (3), comprising the suction sail (3) a suction system (10) and a driving unit (8) for driving the rotation of said at least one suction sail (3), in which at least one suction sail (3) also comprises a plurality of sensors (12, 13, 14, 15) connected to a control unit (9), whose control unit determines the operation of the suction system (10) and the transmission unit (8).

It permits to provide a propulsion system for vessels that permits to optimize their performance using suction sails.

Various embodiments of a submerged submersible sailing vessel are disclosed. Such a submerged sailing vessel may comprise a submersible hull assembly, a keel coupled to and extending upwards from hull assembly towards a water surface, and a wind-catching assembly coupled to and extending upwards into the air from the keel for propelling the submerged sailing vessel. The hull assembly and the keel are submerged below the water surface as the vessel is propelled by the wind-catching assembly above the water surface.