Propulsion Systems go to new extremes - Jet Powered SUP
In the latest exhibit of stand up paddling laziness, also known as stand up motoring, these guys have more than outdone themselves. (Albeit on a windsurfing board, not a SUP)
To put it simply, the invention is four model aircraft engines bolted to a piece of two-by-four. The model aircraft engines, known as EDF’s or Electric Ducted Fans are each capable of outputting over 15kgs of thrust at this size, so when you consider there are four of them here, we’re talking 60kgs of combined thrust which if held vertically, would almost lift this guy off the ground. Each 120mm wide unit is spinning at up to 45,000RPM, powered by 44v Lithium Ion Batteries (no, that’s not a typo, they are the numbers). These are some serious pieces of equipment.
Thought up by Adam Contoret who runs a company called Dreamscience in the UK, the idea was originally designed for providing thrust to powered paragliders without the need for a huge propeller. Since it’s invention the system has also been used on snowboards, skateboards and now, a windsurfing board; which is basically the same as a stand up paddle board. At least for this use anyway.
Price for the system is expected to be between $5000 and $10,000 once it’s ready to go.
Check out the video below to see it in action, and no, it’s not fully waterproof yet.
Merewether, NSW
