Lockheed Martin's Sea SLICE

Just saw photos of Lockheed Martin's new high-speed 4- (yes, FOUR) hull 105-foot by 52-foot prototype built for the USN. It operated at 35 knots in Sea State 5 conditiions during demos. The vessel has 4 torpedo-like submerged hulls supported by short struts with 7.2-foot diameter controllable-pitch props located on the forward 2. They look like the variable thruster pods seen on larger vessels.

This is really awesome and looks more like a sci-fi contraption when it's out of water. Even in the water the custom paint job of yellow, blue and red over grey gives some interesting effects. (Sorry I can't post here due to copywrite, etc.)

The photos and article are on the cover and pp26-7 of the January edition of MarineLog magazine. You can access past issues info and also get a free subscription at www.marinelog.com. It's a good resource for info on the maritime industry, changing rules and new commercial or warship developments.


"Should we prosper it shall be as is our custom...by Miracle!"