Maritime Flight Dynamics’ Powerboat - The SeaPhantom

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This amphibious Batmobile lookalike is not another one of those gadgets from a James Bond movie or the US Navy’s version of the Blackbird. Dubbed the SeaPhantom, this speedboat or “low-flying” aircraft, depending on how you look at it, is the creation of David Borman, founder of Maritime Flight Dynamics Inc. Powered by a MV-10 625 hp motor from Ilmor Engineering, this hybrid of a speedboat and concept aircraft slices across the waves at 87 knots (around 100 mph). As the engine stirs the boat from rest to 35 mph, the SeaPhantom resembles any other motorboat. Once it hits 35 mph, however, something visually dramatic happens.

Six-foot-long curved foils extend from the wings of the boat, and the SeaPhantom begins to rise above the waves like a mechanical water-skier. In effect, airflow underneath the SeaPhantom lifts the boat out of the water’s drag, and in the process, supports 85 percent of the boat’s weight. This is where the boat, which seats up to five passengers, appears to glide or ‘fly’ above the surf, promising a comfortable ride. The SeaPhantom can negotiate eight-foot breakers without dropping a knot. Borman drew inspiration from 1960s NASA aircraft that makes use of the shape of the plane to generate lift instead of wings. He envisions his crossbred powerboat to serve as an alternative transport between coastal towns or an island ferry service. Meanwhile, the US Navy has also expressed an interest to utilize the craft to transport its troops. But first, they will have to shell out US$500,000 for of these.

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