Equipmake supplies e-drivetrain for Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies’ long-range electric flying boat

Equipmake, a developer of electrified products, has supplied one of its e-drivetrain systems for the SpiritBARTech35E electric flying boat being built by Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies.

The motor supplied for the project was a fully bespoke, all-electric, lightweighted HPM-400 with an integrated gearbox capable of producing a peak power of 80kW. The e-drivetrain also includes Equipmake’s HPI-450 IGBT inverter and a custom 120kWh battery pack.

The SpiritBARTech35EF – a 10.6m electric flying boat – is claimed to be the first vessel of its kind with a fast-cruising range of 100 nautical miles, aided by three active retractable foils that minimize drag in the water.

The hull is made using a combination of titanium and cold-molded wood with a carbon-fiber-reinforced shell. With a weight of approximately 1 ton, the SpiritBARTech35EF has a top speed of 28kts and can achieve its aforementioned range when traveling at a speed of 22kts.

“On behalf of everyone at Equipmake, I’m proud we have played a key role with Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies on this incredible electric flying boat, which truly sets new standards for long-range electric vessels,” said Ian Foley, the CEO of Equipmake. “Our in-house-developed electrification technology has many varied high-performance applications, from aerospace to automotive, and the SpiritBARTech35EF is the perfect showcase for how it can be applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market.”

“We firmly believe that the future of this sector will be defined by developments in the sustainability and efficiency of vessels,” added John Cooper, the CEO of BAR Technologies. “We have been delighted to partner with Equipmake on its remarkable powertrain. Ian Foley and his team are true leaders in the field of electrification and share our ethos of lightweighting and competition-bred design and development.”