Aquatic UFO lets owners live off the grid

Ever dreamed of travelling the high seas? Italian mini yacht-maker Jet Capsule has announced its latest concept vehicle that allows you to do just that. Dubbed Unidentified Floating Object (UFO), the company’s pod-like structure is intended to function as a “living floating house”.

According to the company, this unconventional vessel provides the comforts of home while leisurely transporting its inhabitants across the ocean. Using a waterjet-propelled Torqeedo Deep Blue 1800 electric motor (80hp), the UFO has a maximum cruising speed of 3.5 knots (6.5 km/h).

That battery-powered motor gets its power from 40 square metres (430 square feet) of solar panels, which sit in a closeable space at the top of the roof, to protect the panels from the elements. However, additional power sources such as wind and water turbines can be added on the top and below the main disc of the UFO.

Inhabitants can drink fresh water delivered via a water generator that converts rain and sea water. The water produced on the UFO can also be used to water a vegetable garden located on a deck that encircles the structure and measures 12.5 m (41 ft) in diameter.

The vehicle includes two half-spherical shells of fiberglass, which  make up the two stories of the interior housing, with flexible floor plans for various configurations.

The interior arguably makes this concept vehicle so unique. The top level measures 20-sq. m (215-sq. ft.) where the kitchen and dining/living area are located. Stairs lead down to a 10-sq. m (107-sq. ft.) submerged lower level with bathroom and bedroom. This level features a large window, allowing those inside to take in the “underwater” experience.

To keep the craft afloat and stable in unpredictable sea conditions, the UFO was designed using a special elastic anchor system.

“The main structure of the floating object can be aligned with the compass, keeping the position angle oriented on the desired cardinal direction, unsinkable even in rough sea conditions,” the company boasts on its website.

Jet Capsule is currently developing the first working prototype and is looking for investors to bring this UFO to the high seas.

www.jetcapsule.com