Aptera Biomimicry Humor

[Ray Holan]

In a recent video, Chris A. mentioned the Aptera body shape (specifically the curved underbelly) was similar to or inspired by the shape marine life assumes to move through the water more easily. I assume he was speaking of a dolphin or a porpoise. It got me to thinking of the wide 88 inch stance of the front wheels and lo and behold, insects called “water striders” popped into my brain:

“Water striders are able to walk on top of water due to a combination of several factors. Water striders use the high surface tension of water and long, hydrophobic legs to help them stay above water. Gerridae species use this surface tension to their advantage through their highly adapted legs and distributed weight.” Sounds Aptera-like, doesn’t it? Check out the side-by-side comparison below. So once again, Mother Nature got there first;)

• This discussion was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by  Ray Holan.

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[Len Nowak Nowak]

Neat!

Aptera Inspired by Nature

You will see me here with mine… in 🤞2023

[Vernon Michael Gardner]

Ray, Clicking my “like” button, click, click, click.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by  Vernon Michael Gardner.

[Gary Aulfinger]

Me too! CLICK

[James Fatula]

Really looking forward to using my kayak paddles again😋. Sold my kayak 2 years ago and had the Paddles in storage.

Can’t wait to see how well my Aptera floats 🙃

[Ray Holan]

LOL. I live close to Lake Erie so I have plenty of watery real estate in which to test the seaworthiness of my Aptera! I understand water striders have little filaments on the legs that contribute to their ability to stay on the surface of the water. Maybe gluing some 70s shag carpeting on the Aptera’s wheel pants would help? JK

[James Fatula]

Man why didn’t I think of that😲? I was just going to try overinflating the tires for extra buoyancy.

Worse comes to worse I can remove the wheel pants for wider tires. Hoping I can get away with a little extra displacement on the surface.

[Ray Holan]

Wider tires = the Snowshoe principle? Who needs the Amphicar from the early 60s if we have a buoyant Aptera?

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[James Fatula]

I found a better way to use the snowshoe principle. What if we put the suspension on bags.🧐

[Russell Fauver]

Ha! Or cover the wheel pants with curb feelers

[George Hughes]

I’ve heard, and even repeated the stories about Aptera floating going way back.

Now you’re talking over-inflating the tires for buoyancy and wondering out loud if it’s spindly appearance will give it the attributes of water strider.

I say this to say I’ve been thinking about Aptera’s adaptation to water and I think you go all in BIG!

First, you need to rig a hydrofoil to the rear suspension to balance the monster truck 35-inch tires mounted without pants that gives it a very-effective paddle-wheel setup. Torque vectoring on water would be a new driving experience.