Froude-scaled design specifications • Caribbean ocean testing platform
Scale factor λ = 1/4 (all linear dimensions divided by 4)
| Side lengths | 17.5 ft, 17.5 ft, 8.75 ft |
| Height (floor to ceiling) | 1.75 ft (21 inches) |
| Length | 4.75 ft |
| Chord | 2.5 ft |
| Thickness (NACA 0030) | 0.75 ft (9 inches) |
| Waterline immersion | 2.375 ft |
| Component | Full Scale | 1:4 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Main wing span | 12 ft | 3 ft |
| Main wing chord | 1.5 ft | 4.5 inches |
| Body length | 6 ft | 1.5 ft |
| Elevator span | 2 ft | 6 inches |
| Elevator chord | 6 inches | 1.5 inches |
Target displacement weight (full scale 36,000 lbs × 1/64)
Estimated total structural weight: ≈ 310–340 lbs (before batteries and payload)
BougeRV Arch Pro 200W panels (52.95" × 30.91")
Estimated panels that fit on netting: 6 panels (with minor triangle enlargement possible)
Total solar capacity: 1,200 W
Netting made with rope grid on 3" tubing provides excellent mounting surface for flexible panels.
Recommended thrusters: 6× Blue Robotics T200 (high redundancy)
| Condition | Available Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel/Base Load | 35–45 W | Starlink Mini + Pi + cameras + AIS + lights |
| Night (motors) | 180–220 W | After 30% battery reserve |
| Day (motors) | 700–900 W | Excess solar after hotel load |
| Condition | Night | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Downwind | 3.2–3.8 knots | 5.5–6.5 knots |
| Crosswind | 2.8–3.3 knots | 5.0–5.8 knots |
| Upwind | 2.1–2.6 knots | 4.0–4.8 knots |
30% of target weight in batteries: 168.75 lbs
Estimated capacity (LiFePO4): 4.8–5.4 kWh (conservative, water-cooled in legs)
Do not use last 20% of battery capacity.
$4,800 – $6,200 per unit
(parts only, 5-unit batch pricing, excluding assembly labor)
Top competitors:
Our 1:4 model advantage: ~$5–7k cost, high power-to-weight ratio, active stabilizers, self-rescue capability, fully open software/hardware.