Seaflight Technologies Inc., a developer of ultra-efficient large drones for logistics, has been awarded a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant for $275,000 to improve the efficiency of electric flight. Once a small business is awarded a Phase I grant, it is eligible to apply for Phase II funding and supplements totaling up to $2 million.

Seaflight’s project will implement a novel form of what’s known as aerodynamic circulation control. This actively changes the airflow over a wing to produce very high lift only when it is needed, for instance to enable a quick, short takeoff. It then helps to reduce aerodynamic drag for the remainder of the flight.

Reduced drag means significantly more range and payload will be possible even with today’s battery technology. This addresses one of the main barriers to more widespread adoption of batteries for regional air cargo and passenger flights.

Founded in 2022, Seaflight has already flown several sub-scale prototype electric wingships – craft that can take off and land on water but fly close to the surface of the sea. The goal is to help bring low-cost, low-emission flown cargo to island and coastal populations that are also among those most affected by climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions.

Seaflight CEO and Principal Investigator on the project, Dr. Graham Doig, said “Seaflight’s mission is to accelerate an electric and equitable future for flight. That means electric flight for meaningful impact today, not ten years from now when batteries are better. The aerodynamic efficiency unlocked by our circulation control is a huge part of making that possible.”

Seaflight’s Lead Aerodynamics Engineer, Dr. Johan Melis, added “Our goal is to basically double the range that an electric aircraft can fly, using clever aerodynamics to do it. The future of flight doesn’t look like today’s planes.”

All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR program, also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, undergo a rigorous merit-based review process.

“NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.”

Seaflight intends on demonstrating its new aerodynamic technologies in flight tests marked for early 2024 and is actively building partnerships to accelerate commercialization.