5 passenger prototype slicing through clear blue sea

Sea Trials

Sea trials are under way...

Sea trials for the 5-passenger prototype SeaPhantom began in April 2006. SeaPhantom performed as predicted by computer simulations – first time airborne was so uneventful David had to check his gauges to confirm that his seat was 4 feet above the sea!

Photos from the first set of sea trials, beginning 20th April 2006, Fort Myers Beach:

Prototype about to enter water thumbPrototype in water for first time thumbPrototype at rest on sea thumb

Prototype jumping a wave thumbPrototype performing a high speed banked turnPrototype easing by during sea trials thumb

You can see from these photos that as the SeaPhantom’s speed increases, its body rises out of the water, aided by the action of ground effect and its lifting-body airfoil.

Prototype on way out to sea trials on Fort Myers Beach thumbPrototype start to lift from water thumb 1Prototype start to lift from water thumb 2

Prototype starting up thumbPrototype coming to rest during sea trials on Fort Myers Beach thumbPrototype flying past stars and stipes on Fort Myers Beach thumb

Prototype undergoing sea trials on Fort Myers Beach thumb 1Prototype undergoing sea trials on Fort Myers Beach thumb 2Prototype undergoing sea trials on Fort Myers Beach thumb 3

Photos taken from sea trials on 12th May 2006, testing a new 5-blade propellor:

Prototype leaving bay for sea trial thumbPrototype leaving bay side view thumbPrototype nose side view thumb

Thumbnail of prototype side view towards rear