Sea SLICE

Lockheed Martin and the office of naval research are demonstrating the SLICE vessel, an advanced type of (small waterplane area twin hull) configuration. The SLICE prototype, introduced in 1997, has four underwater pods with propellers on the forward pods. The vessel is 104 FT long, with a 55 foot wide beam. Lockheed Martin designed the advanced technology demonstration vessel, built by Nichols Brothers Shipyards and Pacific Marine & Supply Company, LTD. A cooperative agreement with the ONR to validate the SLICE technology provided the impetus for this effort. The 180 ton 105 FT prototype Slice vessel cost nearly 15 million for research and development. The SLICE ship has completed all sea tests and has met or exceeded all performance goals.

The Sea Slice prototype looks very promising they're even thinking of making a variant for the Coast Guard I think it could be a very successful patrol craft. Or even a drug smuggler intercepter, they'res so many possibilities.

globalsecurity.org

[edit on 27-10-2004 by dbates]

Here is a
link I found about the Sea SLICE it has a lot more detail than globalsecurity.org.
navlog.com

[edit on 16-11-2004 by blue cell]