Skim on bubbles
The boat of the future could be a cheap hydrocraft that skims over the water on a layer of air bubbles. A prototype which could lead to a 40-seat production version made its public debut at London's International Boat Show preview on January 5. It has undergone a series of initial evaluation trials and the United States, Canada and Italy have already shown interest in the craft, built by Pneumatic Hydrocraft on England's south coast. The X-4 has a skin of stainless steel perforated with slots through which air is blasted to form a thin film of bubbles along the area of the hull in the water. This reduces drag and the X-4 is said to be capable of more than 47 knots. Another advantage is its ability to operate in only 14 inches of water, and because its twin-thrust engines are submerged, the craft makes little more noise than conventional boats. A third engine is used to beach the X-4 for loading and unloading.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TAUTIM19710119.2.44
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Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 4, 19 January 1971, Page 9
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168Skim on bubbles Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 4, 19 January 1971, Page 9
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