Candela C-8 completes maiden trial
Candela’s C-8 electric boat has completed its maiden flight. After 16 months of development, the foiling electric boat took off from the waters outside the Swedish tech company’s headquarters at Lidingö, Stockholm.
After reaching its designed take-off speed of 16 knots, the C-8 prototype P-01 lifted off smoothly and flew above the water at a cruise speed of 20 knots.
The company says it has refined its hydrofoil technology and flight control software since the open sportsboat Candela C-7 was introduced in 2019, and the team of engineers and technicians have designed the C-8 for rapid mass production. Since its launch in August 2021, the C-8 electric flying boat has racked up over 100 orders, targeting a rate of 400 units per year in 2024. Candela says this makes it the best-selling electric boat model in Europe.
The company says the aim of its foiling C-8 is to disrupt the powerboat industry, thanks to a combination of long all-electric range, high speed, and ‘industry-first features’.
“This first flight marks a huge moment not only for Candela, but also for the powerboat industry,” says Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO. “The C-8 is not only designed to be the best electric boat, it is designed to be a far better experience than conventional powerboats. I hope we can drive the transition to emission-free boating at a very fast pace.”
Candela says the C-8’s digital flight control system automatically adjusts the foils to keep the boat level and steady, even in adverse weather conditions, providing a smooth ride in choppy waves and side winds. The low energy usage translates into an almost non-existent wake, and the ride is silent, thanks to the Candela C-POD direct-drive electric pod motor.
The C-8 is also equipped with fly-by-wire steering and has autopilot features for more relaxed driving over long distances. When the driver lets go of the wheel, the boat will automatically steer the set compass course.
“This successful first flight brings us one step closer to serial production. We’ll now perform a rigorous flight test campaign to ensure reliability and maturity. We’re on track to deliver the first C-8 units this summer,” says Hasselskog.
