VesselsOutboard, Jet Turbine, or Diesel/Gas Inboard Power: still in the developmental prototype stage is the five passenger proof-of-concept craft: 30' length overall x 12'6" beam overall, with an estimated cruise speed of 85 mph, on just under 300 horsepower. The main body flies approximately four feet above average wave crests on three-point shock dampened foils. Its total dry weight is approximately 1750 pounds (800 kg). The current prototype engine configuration puts a standard Mercury race outboard out on the tail. Race lower unit, race propeller, low water pick-up, and race style low back pressure exhaust through Mercury racing mid-section. Approximately 300 horsepower @9000 rpm. Tilt trailer allows for standard width highway transport Coming next: the first production models will be based on the proof-of-concept craft. They will be ideally suited for jet-turbine power driving through counter-rotating stern drive, straight inboard, or experimental water jet. Discussions are underway with the Innodyn turbine company. The first production models will have approximately the same dimensions as the prototype: 30' loa x 12'6" boa and can have an optional inboard piston. We are exploring a joint venture to design a craft around a new super lightweight six-cylinder diesel.
The following image illustrates the cleverly minimized exterior glazing, which is designed to mitigate potentially catastrophic wave impact area - yet allow maximum visibility to Mclaren F1 style center-seated pilot. 2+2 seating behind him. 300 degrees over-the-shoulder visibility. Wide-angle television feeds to the cockpit-mounted military-style laptop provide remaining field of vision. Also incorporated are foils, power plant monitoring and large screen lcd feeds to the passengers.
Future designs will scale our proprietary technology to the size of 1930's DC3s: 18 - 24 passenger models with projected cruise speeds of 150 knots, flying 8 to 12 feet above the average wave crests, making scheduled travel with impunity, across, for example, the Gulf of Mexico, Coastal US routes, island-to-island throughout the Caribbean, or South Pacific Islands... |
This photo shows earlier prototype version with Boeing jet-turbine power plant. Extremely reliable, marine-rigged turbines may safely burn diesel fuel; or, as we have discussed with local suppliers, the new environmentally friendly soy-diesel.