IIT Madras startup develops seacraft that can glide over water like a plane

Waterfly Technologies, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, has developed a Wing-in-Ground (WIG) seacraft that can revolutionise coastal sea transport.

The WIG craft is an electric seaglider that can fly over the surface of the sea forming a four-metre air cushion between the craft and the sea surface, enabling a smooth aircraft-like glide over water.

The sea glider has a unique UFO-like design that allows it to take off from the surface of the sea and land in water. Once fully developed these can be effectively used for coastal sea as well as inland water transport.

Unlike the hovercraft that scraps past the water surface, the seaglider, or Wing-in-Ground craft, flies at a height of around four meters above the water surface, and maintains that level throughout its flight, leveraging ground effect for efficiency, according to the company.

The WIG craft can reach altitudes of 150 meters and attain speeds of up to 500 km an hour, without compromising on comfort or safety of the passenger.

It is also maneuverable like a boat.

The highlight is its affordability while offering the comfort of an aircraft, according to the company.

Reports citing Waterfly Technologies' co-founder and CEO Harish Rajesh said a 1,600-km journey from Chennai to Kolkata on the WIG craft will cost just Rs600 per seat.

Waterfly showcased the design concept of the seaglider at Aero India in Bengaluru.

The company plans to come out with a 100 kg prototype by April 2025, which will be followed by a one-tonne prototype later in the year. Waterfly expects to be ready with a full-scale 20-seater version with four-tonne payload by next year.