The SeaPhantom - helicopter speed, powerboat price

“Assuming AWACS or JSTARS battle-theater control, with satellite downlink, then a cruise missile attack on the SeaPhantom system will fail,” believes Gorman. “The SeaPhantom simply vectors away at 150 knots from sub-sonic missiles. Air-to-surface, ship-to-ship attacks fail against the SeaPhantom as well, as its inherently low radar signature foils targeting systems. You cannot kill what you cannot target. Very high speed and extreme maneuverability due to the craft's bank turn system foil manually targeted attempts. Ultra-high survival probabilities are apparent. It’s still early days, but the operational design objectives include the elimination of active aeronautical control surfaces to simplify pilot duty. Basically, the craft's built-in stability systems - including automated computer controlled gyroscopic feedback- means the craft may be operated by anyone familiar with high performance offshore powerboat operation.

Several computers operate quietly in the background sampling the vessel's attitude 400 times per second, automatically balancing the craft until manual override steering inputs are registered. The computer instantly takes back control to balance the craft against quartering waves, 'misload' conditions, or prevailing winds off the beam. Ultimately, however, safety does not rely not on e-control systems, but instead is based on the passive stability incorporated into the craft's design. Fly-by-wire control systems are simply to ease pilot load and are not relied upon as a safety device.

Future designs will scale the 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...

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.

The first production models will have approximately the same dimensions as the prototype: 30' loa x 12'6" boa and the company is exploring a joint venture to design a craft around a lightweight six-cylinder diesel.

The prices for the civilian pleasure craft will be confirmed soon, but they should start between $400,000 and $600,000, depending on the model specifications.

For your half million, you’d get an elite water sportscar capable of carrying the four passengers in 2 +2 formation behind your F1 style center-seat. A clever design enables the SeaPhantom’s pilot to have 300 degrees of over-the-shoulder visibility, with outward pointing video cameras covering the remainder and giving the passengers an all-round view via large LCD screens.

SeaPhantom is the work of David Borman, a name we suspect you’ll hear more of. His remarkable career and the informal education he had as a child have given him some unique skills and background knowledge.

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