An actual transformer has been created by a company known as The Kormoran. The Austrian company has named the vehicle after its name, Kormoran, and the reason why we have called it a transformer is the fact that it is capable of speeding on and above water as a trimaran, catamaran, monohull and hydrofoil. Yes, this vehicle can transform itself into 4 unique configurations making it the most versatile vessel out there. The pair of hydraulically actuated hulls is the reason why it can transform right before your eyes, that too while it is in motion.
The Kormoran will allow the users to enjoy different types of boats without spending money to buy each kind. The users will have access to a quality innovation which will bring diversity to the boating experience. The hulls, kinetically framed into the vehicle, are capable of shifting shapes and characteristics thus, imparting new functionality to the vehicle.
So how does it work? When the user draws the electronically activated hydraulic arms inwards, the outrigger hulls create a monohull by folding into the central hull that is akin to fuselage. Upon partial deployment, they move on to become the dual hulls of a catamaran where the body is shifted to float above the water. Upon complete deployment, the boat drops on the water’s surface and transforms into the third hull of the configuration of trimaran.
When the Kormoran is in the monohull mode, the hydrofoils can be employed in order to move the body up above the water and, reportedly, this decreases the water resistance by 80% therefore, imparting a faster and smooth ride that saves fuel. The power is derived from the 493-hp triple jet drive and allows the Kormaran to reach a speed of 44 Mph while being capable of travelling for 200 km at this top speed. The vehicle measures 7 meters in length and has a width of 1.5 to 3.5 meters. The vehicle has a seating capacity for two passengers with a driver.
By virtue of the two foldout sections located on the nose of the body, the Kormoran can transform into a swimming platform. The materials used include carbon fiber, stainless steel and titanium. The interior has been lined with leather. The deck and hull surfaces make use of a black-jointed teak. The lighting system helps with the night navigation.
The Kormoran prototype made its debut in June and shall be appearing at the Monaco Yacht Show later this month. The company invested about $13M in this vehicle. The pricing or the production date yet remains unknown.
