We make many models as part of our work as architects. Recently we've been looking at the possibility of building a model powerboat that will be capable of travelling at very high speeds, perhaps faster than anyone has achieved before. The plan is for a three point hydroplane powered by solid rocket boosters, with a computer controlled piloting system employing Artificial Intelligence, and using interactive aerodynamic devices to maintain stability in yaw, pitch and roll at extreme velocities. We have a identified a 20 mile long stretch of water in Cambridgeshire on which to run the model, but as yet we do not have enough information to establish what speeds will be attainable. Let's just say 'very fast indeed'.

We're looking for constructive ideas, thoughts and experiences that might just help us make this happen.

Our concept of a rocket powered model boat capable of extremely high speeds has already gained traction, with initial interest being expressed in sponsoring the venture by a well-known international business. Consequently, we have decided to initiate a detailed Feasibility Study for the vessel, whose working name is 'Transonic'. This lengthy document will incorporate the preliminary concepts for the radical hull design, interactive stability mechanisms for both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic control, powerplants, remote control systems, management of the project, the appointment of appropriate experts, and potential funding sources for the venture. Furthermore, it will address other significant aspects such as marketing, management of the site chosen for the high-speed testing, health and safety issues, insurances and other important legal matters. The most complex and significant issues are timetabling and, inevitably, budgets.

We expect to complete this Feasibility Study by April 2017. If appropriate funding is in place by July 2017, it is anticipated that 'Proof of Concept' testing could then commence forthwith. Such work would focus on the design, development and testing of stability devices, and their attendant Artificial Intelligence computer systems, which are currently seen as the most critical aspect of the project. The professional advice we have so far received is that, because of the complex dynamic forces involved, it is very unlikely that test results could be 'scaled up' from smaller models, and that it would be essential to work with prototypes that were similarly sized to the final 'Transonic' craft, and were furthermore capable of travelling at very high speeds. The difficulties of scale are exacerbated by the fact that the only existing computer modelling software that would be usable in theoretical design work is primarily designed for the supersonic aerospace industry, and was never conceived as being translatable to nautical craft. The epithet 'Uncharted Territory' would appear to be applicable to the entire project, but is particularly apposite in these areas of the design.

Requiring a design starting point, and rather quickly, we impulsively decided to take a proprietary injection-moulded 1:32 scale model of a modern F16 jet aircraft, and then chop off most of the wings. This now rather unbecoming machine, obviously incapable of flight, was inevitably christened 'The Dodo'. It put us into the mindset of considering 'interactive three axis control' and not to just restrict our ideas to a traditional yaw control arrangement. There are various theories about how a boat such as this might behave (or misbehave) in the real world at the velocities we are envisaging, but in truth nobody really knows. Many tests will have to be run. Many boats will be destroyed in the process. Much will be learned.

It promises to be a fascinating adventure, perhaps with a surprise ending that relates to the current name of the vessel…

Edited By John Stedman on 24/01/2017 12:22:42