Navy Showcases Experimental ‘Sea Fighter’
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edited by Robert H. Williams
The Navy has christened its new Littoral Surface Craft - Experimental,
commonly referred to as “X-Craft.” Developed by the
Office of Naval Research, this high-speed, aluminum catamaran is
designed to test a variety of technologies that could allow the
Navy to operate more effectively in littoral, or shallow, waters.
Officially, the ship’s been named Sea Fighter. X-Craft marks
the first time a catamaran was designed and built specifically for
the Navy.
When fully loaded, Sea Fighter can reach a speed of more than 50
knots and can travel up to 4,000 nautical miles without refueling.
Powered by a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines, the
262-foot platform will serve as a test bed for a number of new technologies.
The 26-member inaugural crew represents a mix of Navy and Coast
Guard personnel.