Abstract: In crafts that have a hydrofoil, a locking mechanism can be used to lock the hydrofoil in place (e.g., in a retracted position or in a deployed position). However, the forces experienced by the hydrofoil, especially when in the deployed position, can cause strain on the locking mechanism, which can lead to jamming or failure. The embodiments presented herein provide a locking mechanism that can be used to avoid this problem. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism uses a pin that is movable along a single axis for engaging/disengaging a portion in a catch that is shaped to receive the pin. In another embodiment, a rear strut of the craft is rotatable, allowing the rear strut to both support the rear hydrofoil and act as a rudder of the craft when in water.

Abstract: A craft includes a hull, a wing, a hydrofoil, and a control system. The wing is configured to generate upwards aero lift as air flows past the wing to facilitate wing-borne flight of the craft. The hydrofoil is configured to generate upwards hydrofoil lift during a first mode of operation as water flows past the hydrofoil to facilitate hydrofoil-borne movement of the craft through the water. While the craft is hydrofoil-borne, the control system is configured to determine the upwards aero lift generated by the wing. The control system is further configured to control the hydrofoil to generate downwards hydrofoil lift to counteract the upwards aero lift generated by the wing that maintains the hydrofoil at least partially submerged in the water while the determined upwards aero lift is below a threshold lift.