Tech Talk

May 2005

Navy Showcases Experimental ‘Sea Fighter’

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.