Enrico Forlanini

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Enrico Forlanini

1848-1930

Italian engineer who was at the forefront in the development of the hydrofoil. The hydrofoil is a cross between a ship and an airplane. It is raised above the water by small wing-like foils. At a specific speed the lift generated by foils raises the hull out of the water. Forlanini's hydrofoil reached a speed of 38 knots in 1905.