WATERCRAFT

Abstract

The invention relates to a watercraft (100) comprising a support element (1, 1'), in particular in the form of a support platform or a supporting frame (1.1, 1.1'), for carrying a load, a buoyancy generator (2) for generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft (100), and an internal or external drive system (3) for moving the watercraft along a travel direction (10), wherein the buoyancy generator (2) is a temporary buoyancy generator (2). The invention further relates to a method for operating a watercraft (100).

Description

[0001] watercraft

[0002] I. Area of ​​application

[0003] The invention relates to a watercraft comprising a support element for carrying a load, a buoyancy generator for generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft, and an internal or external propulsion system for moving the watercraft along a direction of travel. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a watercraft.

[0004] II. Technical background

[0005] Watercraft of this type are known from the prior art and can be used to carry a load, for example containers or the like, and are driven either by means of an internal drive, i.e. a drive attached to the watercraft itself, or an external drive, i.e. a drive attached to another watercraft or the like, which can be connected to the watercraft.

[0006] Such watercraft can be used, for example, to transport containers or other goods across rivers or other bodies of water. However, it should be noted at this point that, although the invention will be described below in part using an example for transporting containers, no limitation of any kind can be derived from this. To provide a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft, such watercraft also comprise a buoyancy generator. If the watercraft is a support platform, for example a pontoon or a work platform, such buoyancy generators can be designed as floating bodies in the form of air chambers, which can be arranged beneath the support platform.

[0007] The floats can be made of aluminum, for example, which makes them very rigid, but can be very susceptible to pitting corrosion and the associated leaks and other damage compared to plastic floats, especially in chemically contaminated waters, unless particularly cost-intensive aluminum alloys are used.

[0008] In addition, such floating bodies, particularly when they are designed to carry high loads and to ensure sufficiently high stability against capsizing, have a relatively high driving resistance during movement, so that the internal or external drive must be relatively powerful and / or only comparatively low driving speeds can be achieved.

[0009] III. Description of the invention a) Technical problem

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a watercraft of the type mentioned above and a method for operating such a watercraft, which, compared to known watercraft, has a reduced driving resistance combined with high reliability and is simultaneously suitable for transporting heavy loads. b) Solution to the problem

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a watercraft according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0012] With regard to the watercraft, the problem is solved by the fact that the buoyancy generator is a temporary buoyancy generator.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the term "temporary buoyancy generator" is to be interpreted such that the buoyancy generator is designed to generate the buoyancy force temporarily, i.e., not permanently. Compared to permanent buoyancy generators, such as buoyancy bodies, this results in the advantage that the buoyancy generator can only generate buoyancy when it is actually needed. Also, according to the invention—in contrast to permanent buoyancy generators—the density of the temporary buoyancy generator, preferably of the entire watercraft, does not necessarily have to be lower than the density of water.

[0014] If the watercraft according to the invention is used, for example, to transport a load that is itself buoyant, the buoyancy generator can be designed such that, while it does not generate any buoyancy when the watercraft is stationary, it generates a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft while the watercraft is moving along the direction of travel such that the load to be transported is only partially or no longer submerged in the water. This can reduce the driving resistance along the direction of travel that must be overcome by the watercraft's propulsion.

[0015] The propulsion system can be designed as an internal propulsion system, i.e., a propulsion system attached to the watercraft itself, or as an external propulsion system, which is merely assigned to the watercraft and operatively connected to it, but is not a component of the watercraft. The external propulsion system can be a component of another watercraft, which is coupled to the watercraft and serves as a towing watercraft.

[0016] To generate the buoyancy force supporting the watercraft, the temporary buoyancy generator can comprise at least one flow-guiding element which has an angle of attack with respect to an incoming flow direction and / or which has a cross-sectional profile such that the buoyancy force is generated when the flow against the flow-guiding element is directed in the incoming flow direction. However, if the watercraft comprises such a flow-guiding element, the buoyancy force is only generated when the watercraft is moved by means of the internal or external drive, i.e., when it has a travel speed greater than zero. In this case, the external or internal drive is therefore to be considered, from a functional perspective, a component of the temporary buoyancy generator.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the at least one flow guide element can comprise at least one flow guide plate which has an angle of attack with respect to an inflow direction, which angle is preferably adjustable. The inflow direction is in this case a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the watercraft. The flow guide plate preferably has a profile which substantially corresponds to a flat plate, so that it does not generate any lift when aligned substantially parallel to the direction of travel, i.e. when there is no angle of attack. Only by means of the angle of attack is a water flow impinging on the at least one flow guide plate deflected as the watercraft moves along the water surface in the direction of travel, resulting in a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft.The angle of attack must be selected in accordance with the load to be carried, since on the one hand it must be selected high enough to achieve the necessary buoyancy force, but on the other hand it should only be selected as high as necessary, since with increasing angle of attack the deceleration effect generated by the flow guide plate and thus the driving resistance of the watercraft increases.

[0018] In order to generate the buoyancy force similar to that of a hydrofoil boat and preferably to achieve particularly low-friction movement of the watercraft, including the load carried thereon, relative to the water surface, it can additionally or alternatively be provided that the at least one flow-guiding element comprises at least one flow-guiding wing with an airfoil profile. The flow-guiding wing can preferably also have an angle of attack that is adjustable with respect to the direction of flow in order to be able to adjust the buoyancy force in the desired manner. The airfoil profile is preferably designed such that the buoyancy force, when a predetermined travel speed along the direction of travel is reached, causes the watercraft, including the support element and the load carried thereon, to lift relative to the water surface.In order to achieve a particularly low driving resistance, after reaching the predetermined driving speed along the direction of travel, preferably only the flow guide wing and / or, if applicable, the support element can be immersed in the water or slide on the water surface.

[0019] If the watercraft according to the invention comprises at least one flow-guiding element, it is also advantageous that the effective area of ​​the at least one flow-guiding element is dimensioned such that it corresponds to more than 10%, preferably more than 50%, of the base area of ​​the support element. As a result, a high buoyancy force can be achieved even at comparatively low travel speeds along the direction of travel.

[0020] In order to be able to generate sufficient buoyancy when the watercraft is stationary, i.e. in a state in which the watercraft is not moving or is moving only slightly, a further exemplary embodiment of the invention proposes that the temporary buoyancy generator comprise a fluid jet dispensing unit, in particular a water jet dispensing unit or an air jet dispensing unit, which is designed to dispense a fluid jet directed away from the support element, in particular downwards, wherein the fluid jet dispensing unit preferably has a pump, for example an impeller pump. The fluid jet dispensing unit is preferably further attached to the watercraft so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis running substantially parallel to a transverse direction of the watercraft, such that a dispensing direction of the fluid jet is adjustable.Additionally or alternatively, the fluid jet delivery unit can also be pivoted about an axis essentially parallel to the vertical. This can also influence the direction of travel of the watercraft.

[0021] To provide the propulsion force driving the watercraft in the direction of travel, the internal or external propulsion system is mainly provided, which can preferably be designed in the form of a propeller propulsion system or in the form of a fluid jet propulsion system, preferably a water jet propulsion system or an air jet propulsion system.

[0022] If the watercraft includes the internal propulsion system, this can be arranged on or in the supporting element to achieve a compact design of the watercraft and to ensure a low center of gravity of the watercraft.

[0023] If the temporary lift generator is designed as a pivotable fluid jet delivery unit as described above, this can also act as a propulsion drive, depending on the set pivot angle.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of fluid jet dispensing units, wherein a predetermined first number of the plurality of fluid jet dispensing units can be used to generate the buoyancy force, while a predetermined second number of the plurality of fluid jet dispensing units can be used to generate the driving force along the direction of travel.

[0025] In order to ensure sufficient loading space for transporting the load, for example one or more containers, as well as good access for loading and unloading the watercraft, it is proposed according to one embodiment that the support element is plate-shaped, for example in the form of a support platform.

[0026] If a weight-saving and compact design of the support element is desired, the support element can additionally or alternatively comprise a frame. To achieve a particularly compact design, it is also conceivable to integrate the lift generator, particularly over a large area, into the frame.

[0027] Furthermore, depending on the size and shape of the load to be transported, the support element may be substantially polygonal, preferably rectangular, or substantially circular or substantially elliptical in a plan view.

[0028] To ensure particularly high rigidity of the support element, so that only minimal torsion of the support element occurs even in heavy seas, the support element can, according to one embodiment, be made at least partially of a substantially rigid material. This can prove particularly advantageous for loads to be transported that would themselves be very sensitive to possible torsion.

[0029] However, if the objective is to ensure that the load to be transported is subjected to as little influence as possible by the wave action, the support element can alternatively be made at least partially of a substantially elastic material. This allows the support element to compensate for the influence of the wave action through local deformations that follow the wave action, thus achieving increased safety against the swinging and possible tipping of the support element along with the load to be transported.

[0030] In order to be able to transport a large number of individual loads simultaneously, the watercraft can further comprise a plurality of support elements, which are preferably arranged in a row in the direction of travel and / or substantially transversely to the direction of travel. This can also be helpful for transporting loads that are relatively large but lightweight, so that point support and a comparatively low buoyancy force are sufficient. This consequently makes it possible to achieve particularly low driving resistance.

[0031] To ensure a secure connection of the individual support elements, the majority of the support elements are preferably coupled to one another by essentially rigid coupling elements, in particular detachably.

[0032] It should also be noted that the support element for supporting the load can comprise a plurality of supports, which rest at one end on the support element or a part connected to it and at the other end support the load. The supports are preferably designed to be telescopic and / or spring-loaded. If the supports are designed to be telescopic, the distance between the load and the support element can be adjusted depending on the situation. If it is preferable to keep the load away from waves potentially occurring on the water surface, a correspondingly increased distance can be set, while a shorter distance can be advantageous to ensure a low center of gravity of the watercraft.

[0033] With regard to the method, the problem is solved by launching the watercraft into the water and temporarily generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft. It should be noted at this point that all the advantages and effects explained with regard to the watercraft according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0034] The temporary buoyancy force can be generated by moving the watercraft along a direction of travel, in particular by means of a flow-guiding element, for example a flow-guiding wing with an airfoil profile and / or at least one flow-guiding plate. Preferably, the buoyancy force generated by the movement is adjustable, in particular by adjusting the angle of attack of the flow-guiding element.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to generate the temporary buoyancy force while the watercraft is stationary, particularly by means of a fluid jet delivery unit. This is particularly advantageous if the load to be transported is not buoyant itself.

[0036] Depending on the type and size of the load to be transported, it can be placed on the vessel before or after launching the vessel. For example, if the load is buoyant and is to be used to provide buoyancy while the vessel is stationary, it may be advantageous to place the load on the support element before launching the vessel. If the temporary buoyancy is already generated while the vessel is stationary on the water surface, the load can also be placed on the support element after launching the vessel. c) Examples of implementation

[0037] Embodiments according to the invention are described in more detail below by way of example. Figure 1a shows a side view of a watercraft according to the invention according to an embodiment, Figure 1b shows a front view of the watercraft according to the invention.

[0038] watercraft,

[0039] Figure 1c: a plan view of the watercraft according to the invention, Figure 2a: a side view of a first embodiment of a temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft according to the invention,

[0040] Figure 2b: a side view of a second embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft according to the invention

[0041] Figure 2c: a side view of a third embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft according to the invention,

[0042] Figure 3: a plan view of the watercraft according to the invention, which is supplemented by a further support element, Figures 4a and 4b: each a side view of a modification of the first

[0043] Design of the temporary buoyancy generator.

[0044] In Figure 1a, a watercraft according to the invention is generally designated 100.

[0045] The watercraft 100 according to the invention comprises a support element 1, which in the illustrated embodiment has a support frame 1.1. A load L to be carried is supported on the support frame 1.1 via a front support 1.2, side supports 1.3 and a rear support 1.4. The supports 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 can preferably be telescopic and / or spring-loaded. The load L to be carried is formed from a control section Ls and a section LB to be loaded, which in the illustrated embodiment is loaded with containers Lc. The control section Ls can be provided to accommodate a person (not shown) steering the watercraft 100 and can have corresponding control devices (likewise not shown in detail), which are provided to control the operation of the watercraft 100 as well as the temporary buoyancy generators 2 described in more detail below and a propulsion system 3 of the watercraft 100.

[0046] The watercraft 100 is shown in Figure 1a in a state in which it floats on a water surface W, wherein the support frame 1.1 as well as a part of the front support 1.2, the side supports 1.3 and the rear support 1.4 are below the water surface W, and the load L is completely above the water surface W. As a result, a particularly low driving resistance can be achieved by the sliding of the support frame 1.1 on the water surface W, wherein only wave peaks occurring during travel are cut.

[0047] As can be seen in Figure 1b, the front view of the watercraft 100, the support frame 1.1 in the illustrated embodiment has a profile shape with recesses 1.1a formed in the vertical direction 12. The provision of the recesses 1.1a provides sufficient installation space to enable a compact arrangement of one or more temporary buoyancy generators 2 (not shown in Figure 1b), which are described with reference to Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c.

[0048] Figure 2a shows a first embodiment of a temporary buoyancy generator 2, which is designed as a flow guide plate 2a. The flow guide plate 2a is pivotally mounted on the support frame 1.1 about a pivot axis Sa substantially parallel to a transverse direction 11, of which only a section is shown in Figure 2a. To generate a buoyancy force acting on the support frame 1.1 and thus on the entire watercraft 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical 12, the flow guide plate 2a has an angle of attack a a with respect to a flow direction 10', which is opposite to the direction of travel 10 of the vessel 100. The angle of attack a a is preferably adjustable by an actuator not shown in Figure 2a, which can be designed, for example, as a mechanically or electromechanically operated actuator.

[0049] Figure 2b, however, shows a second embodiment of the lift generator 2, which is designed as a flow-guiding wing 2b with an airfoil profile. The airfoil profile of the flow-guiding wing 2b is designed such that, when the flow passes against the flow-guiding wing 2b along the inflow direction 10', a lift force acting on the support frame 1.1 and thus on the watercraft 100 is generated, analogous to the flow-guiding wing 2a according to Figure 2a. The flow-guiding wing 2b can also be pivoted about a pivot axis Sb to regulate an angle of attack and thus the lift force, preferably likewise by a mechanically or electromechanically driven actuator.

[0050] Figure 2c finally shows a third embodiment of the buoyancy generator 2, which is designed as a water jet discharge unit 2c. Analogous to the embodiments according to Figures 2a and 2b, the water jet discharge unit 2c is also pivotably mounted on the support frame 1.1 about a pivot axis Sc. If the water jet discharge unit 2c is in an orientation substantially parallel to the vertical 12, a water jet is discharged downwards upon operation of a pump (not shown) driving the water jet discharge unit 2c, so that a buoyancy force is also generated that acts upwards on the support frame 1.1 and thus the watercraft 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical 11. This orientation is preferably present when the watercraft 100 is stationary. By regulating an angle of attack a cIn a direction substantially parallel to the direction of travel 10, in addition to the buoyancy force, a propulsion force can be generated that propels the watercraft 100 in the direction of travel 10, so that the watercraft 100 can accelerate, similar to the principle of a vertical takeoff aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment, the water jet delivery unit 2c can therefore also be used as a propulsion drive 3.

[0051] Figure 1 c finally shows a plan view of the watercraft 100 according to the

[0052] Figures 1a and 1b.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 1c, the watercraft 100 comprises a plurality of water jet discharge units 2c, which can also be used as propulsion 3. As can also be seen in Figure 1c, the water jet discharge units 2c in the illustrated embodiment can also be pivoted about a pivot axis Sv running substantially parallel to the vertical 12 in order to enable a rotational movement of the watercraft 100 about the vertical 12 and thus a correction of the direction of travel 10.

[0054] In addition to the water jet delivery units 2c, a plurality of lift generators arranged in series in the form of flow guide plates 2a and / or flow guide vanes 2b are also provided, so that a comparatively high lift force can be generated even at low speeds along the direction of travel 10.

[0055] Figure 3 is a plan view of the watercraft 100 according to the invention shown in Figure 1c, which is supplemented by a further support element T with a further support frame 1.T, on which a further load L' with further containers Lc is placed. The support element T can essentially correspond to the support element 1, but in contrast to the support element 1, which tapers to a point in the direction of travel 10, has a substantially rectangular shape. To generate a buoyancy force acting on the support element T, one or more buoyancy generators 2a and / or 2b and / or 2c according to Figures 2a, 2b and 2c can also be provided on the support element 1.T. The support frame 1.T is detachably connected to the support frame 1.1 via preferably rigid coupling elements 4, so that the drive 3 attached to the support frame 1.1 can be used as an external drive for the support element T.

[0056] As only schematically indicated in Figure 3, the watercraft 100 can, if desired, also be supplemented by more than one additional support element L', i.e., depending on the design of the propulsion system 3, any number of support elements can be arranged in series. If a particularly high propulsion power or particularly precise maneuverability is required, it is also conceivable to couple several watercraft 100 together.

[0057] Finally, Figures 4a and 4b show a modification of the first embodiment of the temporary lift generator from Figure 2a, in which a flow guide plate 2a is mounted at a front end of the support frame 1.1 in the direction of travel 10, and a further flow guide plate 2a is mounted at a rear end of the support frame 1.1 in the direction of travel, each pivotable about a pivot axis SA. It should be noted, however, that if desired, only one flow guide plate can be provided, i.e., either only the flow guide plate 2a at the front end of the support frame 1.1 or only the further flow guide plate 2a at the rear end of the support frame 1.1.

[0058] Figure 4a shows a state in which the flow guide plates 2a have the previously described angle of attack a acompared to the inflow direction 10'. If a lift force is generated by a flow against the flow guide plates 2a along the inflow direction 10', the support frame 1.1 can also assume a driving angle of attack ÖF compared to the inflow direction 10', which is preferably less than the angle of attack a a is as shown in Figure 4b.

[0059] As soon as the support frame 1.1 has reached the driving angle of attack ÖF relative to the flow direction 10', the angle of attack a a of the flow guide plates 2a can be reduced to a value that is preferably selected such that the flow guide plates 2a are aligned parallel to the support frame 1.1. As a result, both the flow guide plates 2a and the support frame 1.1 can assume the travel angle of incidence OF relative to the inflow direction 10' and therefore act jointly as the flow guide elements 2a and 2a1 with a correspondingly enlarged effective area.

[0060] It should also be added that the watercraft 100 can, if desired, also dive, preferably completely, below the water surface W by appropriately controlling the flow guide plates 2a and then move forward like a submarine. Likewise, by correspondingly controlling the flow guide plates 2a in the opposite direction, the watercraft 100 can be caused to surface. Additionally or alternatively, by submerging the watercraft 100 while traveling above the water surface W, a strong

[0061] Deceleration effect can be achieved to slow down the watercraft 100.

[0062] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0063] 1. Supporting element, supporting platform

[0064] 1.1. Supporting frame

[0065] 1.2. front support

[0066] 1.3. lateral support

[0067] 1.4. rear support

[0068] T additional supporting element

[0069] 1.T additional supporting frame

[0070] 1.3' additional side support

[0071] 2 buoyancy generators

[0072] 2a Flow guide plate

[0073] 2b Flow guide vane

[0074] 2c Fluid jet dispensing unit, water jet

[0075] Delivery unit

[0076] 3 Drive, water jet drive

[0077] 4 coupling element

[0078] 10 Direction of travel

[0079] 10' flow direction

[0080] 11 Transverse direction

[0081] 12 vertical

[0082] 5 swivel axis

[0083] Sa swivel axis

[0084] Sb swivel axis

[0085] Sc swivel axis

[0086] Sv swivel axis

[0087] SA swivel axis a a Angle of attack ab Angle of attack a c Angle of attack a Angle of attack

[0088] OF driving angle of attack

[0089] 100 watercraft L load

[0090] The further load

[0091] LC Container

[0092] Lc' additional containers

[0093] LB section to be loaded

[0094] Ls tax section

[0095] W water surface

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Watercraft (100), with - a support element (1,T) for carrying a load (L, L'), - a buoyancy generator (2) for generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft (100), and - an internal or external drive (3) for moving the watercraft (100) along a direction of travel (10), which can be a component of the buoyancy generator (2), characterized in that the buoyancy generator (2) is a temporary buoyancy generator (2). (Wing) 2. Watercraft according to claim 1, characterized in that the temporary buoyancy generator (2) comprises at least one flow-guiding element (2a; 2b) which has an angle of attack (a a,ab) and / or which has a cross-sectional profile such that the lift force is generated when the flow guide element (2a; 2b) is flowing along the flow direction (10').

3. Watercraft according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one flow-guiding element (2a) has at least one flow-guiding plate (2a) which, with respect to the inflow direction (10'), has the angle of attack (a a ), which is preferably adjustable.

4. Watercraft according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one flow-guiding element (2a) comprises at least one flow-guiding wing (2b) with a hydrofoil profile, which preferably has an angle of attack (ab) that is adjustable with respect to the direction of flow (10').

5. Watercraft according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an effective area of ​​the at least one flow-guiding element (2a; 2b) is dimensioned such that it corresponds to more than 10%, preferably more than 50%, of a base area of ​​the support element (1). (Beam) 6. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temporary buoyancy generator (2) comprises a fluid jet dispensing unit (2c), in particular a water jet dispensing unit or an air jet dispensing unit, which is designed to dispense a fluid jet directed away from the support element (1), in particular downwards, and wherein the fluid jet dispensing unit (2c) preferably has a pump, for example an impeller pump.

7. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal or external drive (3) is designed in the form of a propeller drive or in the form of a fluid jet drive, preferably a water jet drive (3) or an air jet drive.

8. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal drive (3) is arranged on or in the support element (1, T).

9. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (1, T) is plate-shaped, for example in the form of a support platform, and / or comprises a frame (1.1).

10. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (1, T) is substantially polygonal, preferably rectangular, or substantially circular or substantially elliptical in a plan view.

11. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (1, T) is at least partially made of a substantially rigid material.

12. Watercraft according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support element (1, T) is at least partially made of a substantially elastic material.

13. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the watercraft (100) comprises a plurality of support elements (1, T), which are preferably arranged in a row in the direction of travel (10) and / or substantially transversely to the direction of travel (10).

14. Watercraft according to claim 13, characterized in that the plurality of support elements (1, T) are coupled to one another by substantially rigid coupling elements (4).

15. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (1) comprises a plurality of supports (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) which are supported at one end on the support element (1) or a part connected thereto and at the other end receive the load (L, L'), wherein the plurality of supports (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) is preferably telescopic and / or spring-loaded.

16. A method for operating a watercraft (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the watercraft (100) is launched, and - a temporary buoyancy force is generated on the watercraft (100).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the temporary buoyancy force is generated by moving the watercraft (100) along a direction of travel (10), in particular by means of a flow-guiding element (2a; 2b), for example a flow-guiding wing (2b) with an airfoil profile and / or at least one flow-guiding plate (2a).

18. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that the temporary buoyancy force is generated during a standstill of the watercraft (100), in particular by means of a fluid jet delivery unit (2c).

19. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that a load (L) is placed on the watercraft (100) before or after the watercraft (100) is launched.