In the Thau basin, Loïc Pochet wants to design the seaplane of the future thanks to new fundraising

Loïc Pochet veut contribuer à la surveillance maritime et aider les patrons de PME/TPE cherchant à éviter les retards. – DR

Loïc Pochet, ancien skipper et navigateur de haut niveau, dirige une start-up spécialisée dans la conception d’hydravions et drones maritimes.

Since 2016, Loïc Pochet, former skipper and high-level navigator, has led the innovative start-up specializing in the development of maritime drones and amphibious seaplanes. Among their flagship projects at Pochet Aerospace, the creation of an amphibious seaplane which would stand out for its unprecedented performance and its use of hydrogen as a source of energy. Codename: "L’Storm Storm-Petrel".

Transport for 4 passengers, 1 000 km range

First step for Loïc Pochet to build “Le Morgann", a thermal engine version of his amphibious seaplane: 15 m wingspan, 1.8 tonnes in maximum mass, designed to transport four passengers and 60 kg of luggage, combining comfort and efficiency over 1,000 km and with the ability to fly at night. Thanks to its foils, it will emerge from the water in 40 m. Its automatically retractable wings during port navigation would allow it to transform into a simple ship when approaching ports. This innovation responds to the need for infrastructure which could facilitate its reception in ports like that of Sète.

It targets a dual clientele: service providers specializing in maritime surveillance as well as owners of SMEs/VSEs seeking to avoid delays, while using an innovative, and ultimately carbon-free, means of transport. It also targets customers who seek the pleasure of a unique experience. The objective is that the development and construction of this seaplane will take place entirely in the Thau basin, attracting investors interested in this project with international scope. According to Loïc Pochet's calculations, the project could lead to the creation of around a hundred jobs. According to its designer, "Le Morgann" presents notable economic advantages thanks to its low fuel consumption and reduced operational costs, thanks to short takeoffs, thus saving energy and minimizing engine wear.

He launched a second fundraiser, hoping to raise 1.5 M€

To finance his adventure, Loïc Pochet has launched a new fundraising campaign, hoping to raise 1.5 million euros needed to build a scale 1 model. /3 of the seaplane. This financial contribution now proves crucial after the death of its main investor and mentor, Alain Dreyer, in June 2023. Loïc Pochet pays tribute to the latter, describing him as a mentor who believed in him and the "Morgann" without ever asking for compensation.

The Pochet Aerospace team, made up of around ten enthusiasts, is determined to make this project a success. "C&rsquo ;is a real pride to work with such a great team. We are developing a strong team spirit, and the commitment of these individuals further strengthens the dynamics of our project", confides Loïc Pochet.

For more information on the project on the Pochet-aerospace website I subscribe to read more