The Outrider Flying Boat

Safety makes OutRider unique. To our knowledge it is the first boat that is aerodynamically stable in and out of ground effect. Unlike a conventional boat that relies only on whatever small part of its hull happens to be in contact with the water, OutRider utilizes every square foot of its surface to provide stability aerodynamically. It relies on the wind for both lift and stability. Because OutRider is completely immersed in the fluid that is its principle source of stability, it boasts handling that is both safe and predictable.

To assure that safety is not a matter of guesswork, Klem Flying Boats conducted over 1000 tests in the Georgia Tech Research Institute’s wind tunnel. Virtually every test was supervised personally by Dick Klem utilizing an exact scale model of OutRider machined from a solid block by a computer controlled (CNC) milling machine.

Even in rough conditions, OutRider's shock absorbing ski and ground effect flight make for a very smooth ride.	Flying at approximately 70 mph (112 kph) in 2-foot chop.

The extensive testing enabled us to verify OutRider's aerodynamic stability at any altitude. In fact, we were so encouraged by OutRider’s ability to achieve a steady glide totally "hands off", we are exploring a military version that can be dropped from an airplane with no parachute and flown safely to a smooth landing on the water.

OutRider features familiar boat controls: steering wheel, throttle, and trim. The steering wheel operates the water rudder and the elevons, which control body roll and are similar to the elevons found on jet fighters. Because high speed turns are initiated aerodynamically they can be taken safely at top speeds.

OutRider is comfortable, because its hull flies over most waves. Water contact is mainly at the ski and the bottoms of the tip plates which are only an inch and a half wide. Because these areas are small and the ski has a spring/shock absorber, the ride is very controlled, isolating occupants from harsh slamming found in other high-speed, small boats.

In addition, the windshield, headrest, and cockpit sides are wind-tunnel shaped to create a "bubble" of relatively calm air for the pilot and passengers. And, OutRider is quiet enough to avoid stressing passengers and other friends on the water.

Click on the image to go to their web site where you can download video footage of the Flying Boat in action.

For questions and more info on the Outrider contact:
KPFB, Inc.
Phone: USA - 888-706-2767
Fax: USA - 775-201-4901
info@outriderboats.com
www.outriderboats.com/