| Technical details | |
| Producer: | Aquila (ES) |
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Pošalji poruku
| Technical details | |
| Producer: | Aquila (ES) |
Spanish firm Aquila is planning to launch a new range of zippy electric-powered boards, each designed for different surfing styles.
Aquila is spin-off from Bizintek Innova, a product development and engineering company that specializes in electronics. It initially began as a project to develop an electric propulsion system for use in water-sports. Made possible as a result of improvements in battery technology in recent years, the boards use a completely integrated electric-powered jet propulsion system and produce no noise or emissions.
"It gets some water from the bottom part of the board and pressurizes it through the nozzle on the tail giving the board the thrust needed," explains Benguría. "Thrust is regulated through a wireless remote control and to turn it works like a surfboard. We have a high current Mosfet drive system with a microprocessor that controls the brushless motor and some other electronics for safe operation of the system."
According to Benguría, the water pump was, in fact, the most challenging part of the design. The Aquila team was unable to find a suitable and efficient solution on the market, so ended up designing its own. The result, he says, was a lightweight, high efficiency and completely integrated system.
Three board types are available. The entry-level Manta is aimed at beginners and those who enjoy relaxed cruising over flat water. Its top speed of 33 km/h (21 mph) is the lowest of the three options, but it also has the longest battery life at 30 minutes. It measures 230 x 98 cm (91 x 39 in) and will retail for €2800 (US$3800).
The Carver is designed for high-speed slaloming across the surface of the water. At 245 x 68 cm (98 x 27 in), it's the longest of the three boards and is aimed at giving the user control for turning. It has a top speed of 71 km/h (44 mph) and will cost €3300 ($4485).
Aimed at freestyle riders, the Blade is the smallest and lightest of the three Aquila boards and is designed to provide optimal maneuverability. It measures 185 x 60 cm (73 x 24 in), weighs 18 kg and has a top speed of 53 km/h (33 mph). It is to be priced at €2900 ($3942).
The battery packs that are used to power the boards are replaceable, meaning that they can be swapped out and recharged while a fresh battery is swapped in to continue powering the board.
The company is currently evaluating interest in the three electric board designs and seeking investors. The aim is to enter production in 2015.
Photo: Aquila
