Spider-like catamaran goes 5,000 on one tank of diesel
Tesla isn't the only silicon valley company working on more efficient vehicles. Marine Advanced Research has built a prototype catamaran called Proteus that they describe as a Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel. Catamarans are generally known for their speed but this one goes beyond that.
The twin hulls are articulated to allow them to conform to the surface of the water rather than trying to slice through waves. This apparently reduces resistance and greatly improves efficiency. The company has built prototypes in several sizes and the largest 100 ft model has been touring the world this summer. A single tankful of diesel yields a range of 5,000 miles in this odd looking watercraft that can be adapted to a number of different uses.
[Source: Marine Advanced Research]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt 4:05PM (9/10/2007)
How big is the tank? 5 litres? 50? 500?!
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Tim 1:01AM (9/11/2007)
According to their site, the tank holds 2,000 gals. That works out to 2.5 mpg.
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Arnie 6:59PM (9/10/2007)
Bond. James Bond!
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Domenick 8:30AM (9/11/2007)
I'd like to see some video of that in heavy seas.
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howard 5:16PM (9/11/2007)
weird huh? howard
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