Austrian boat builder Silent Yachts is known for its solar-powered catamarans. That has now been joined by the Silent 120 Explorer. This offers space for an eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and ALanding aircraft) and a personal submarine. According to the company, the first Silent 120 Explorer will be launched next year.
The luxury catamaran is 36.74 metres long, 13.85 metres wide and 10.46 metres high. The vessel utilises several 40 kWp solar panels. These charge an 800 kWh lithium-ion battery bank. The battery, in turn, powers two 340 kW electric motors. This enables the yacht to reach a top speed of 16 knots (30 km/h). The more efficient cruising speed is around 8 knots (15 km/h). No fewer than three internal combustion generators can be used as a backup.
eVTOL
The eVTOL is called the XP4 and is being developed by British aerospace company VRCO. It is due for certification in 2024 and can accommodate four people. Cruising speed is 296 km/h; maximum flight time is one hour. Other features include computer-assisted flying, an emergency parachute system and collision avoidance technology.
The eVTOL will land and take off from a helicopter platform. This is located on the roof of the Silent 120 Explorer. The ship’s solar panels will charge the battery. But if the yacht itself needs more power, the XP4 can supply it – just as electric cars can already be used to supply power to homes when needed.
And submarine ...
The Nemo is the submarine used. It was built by the Dutch submarine company U-Boat Worx. It can accommodate two people and can descend to a maximum depth of 100 metres. The submarine can operate autonomously for up to eight hours. The submarine is positioned on the main deck of the Silent 120 Explorer or within the yacht’s hull.
