Sea Phantom

[Schatje]

This is somewhat of an old article I read last year. I thought it would be nice to show those that haven't bumped into this yet. Its called the Sea Phantom. In this article it mentions SEALs losing up to an inch in height because of the pounding they endure on boat rides. http://www.gizmag.com/go/6835/ (very nice website on whats new and whats to come) This is the official website for the Sea Phantom. http://seaphantom.com/military.html

[SeaSpectre]

It looks like a great big unarmed target to me. I don't see any way for the frogs to insert or extract with this vessel, and I don't see anything that resembles a radar bubble.
In short, I really don't see this vehicle being of much use at all to the SWCC.

[Schatje]

This design probably isnt, but future designs that are mentioned on the official site suggest it might be. I think this design is do to be out this month.

"Future designs will scale our proprietary technology to the size of 1930's DC3s: 18 - 24 passenger models with projected cruise speeds of 150 knots"

They claim the phantom can not be targeted and it is uncatchable. I dont know if SWCC or the SEAL community is interested (I dont think they have been given the opportunity to test it yet) or not but according to their claims, it seems like there is no reason for them not to be interested.

The article also mentioned this: SEAL Insertion / Harbor Patrol: the number one long-term concern of the US Navy SEAL operative during small boat insertion operations is the accumulative effect of the constant pounding on his body.

You never know, only time will tell. Regardless if they do or don't, you have to admit its an impressive vessel (or not) :rolleyes:

[SeaSpectre]

Unfortunately we have to deal with this pounding--the SWCC guys get a lot more. Technology will eventually meet the need for a smoother craft eventually, but any new craft will still have to be stable enough to operate in sea state 3 and hydrofoils just don't have that capability as of yet. The V hull configuration is the most stable and offers the smoothest platform----that can still be used as an insertion/extraction craft. A special warfare craft not only has to be fast and stealthy, but it has to have some fighting capability as well.
It is an interesting looking craft for sure---and I'll bet its hella fun to drive.

[Kinnikinik]

Looks like alot of fun, but I don't really see how well it would deal with providing sustained cover fire for hot extractions for SEALs or how it would do in shallow water. SWCC boats need to be able to stay on station without being at plane speeds.

Personally, I would like to see how a catamaran type hull would do on a smaller craft than the HSV that it is currently used on.

Also, I doubt some of the "stealth" claims. The design of the hydrofoil creates a large region where the signal can reflect off the bottom of the craft, to the water, and back out again causing a large radar cross section. Aircraft do not have to deal with this sort of scattering, but boats do... it may be stealthy in the lab, but put it on the water and things tend to change.

K

[SeaSpectre]

Agreed---just the turbulence caused on the water alone creates a big radar reflect. It can be as dome-shaped as it is and still make a ridiculous radar signature. I still thenk that the Seafox is the best for stealth-------but rattle your BONES.

Spectre out

[seaphantom]

I'm the boat's designer. Ran across your seaphantom blogs and recalled similar discusion by Air Force Personel in the years leading up to the first F-117 stealth jet. They said it couldn't be done. And would give itself away too easily.

What was required was a paradigm shift in strategic battle planning for the air. The same will be nessasary at sea. Use your strengths to its utmost and exploit your enemies weaknesses. There will be no silver bullet. Even the F-117 was never allowed to go supersonic. That technology would have been seen. And it must also very carefully detour around direct detection cones. But it worked. Same for seaphantom in stealth clothes.

Who ever said the boat had to close on the shore at 150knots throwing massive plums of radar reflecting spray into the air? SLOW DOWN. Don't think in terms of full frontal 150mph assault on the beach. Just because you can (in seaphantom) why? Sure you'll be seen if you do that. Slow down a little... A sniper spends two days crawling towards his target 150yards away.. He doesn't jump up yell and and do calisthenics along the way.

Naval Surface Warfare Center engineers tell me they can make seaphantom disappear from radar. Give them my CAD numbers and 90 days latter they give it back to me and no more radar signature.

Close silently and invisibly at 15 or 25 knots. Or even wait still in surprise path of oncoming. Save the 150 knot sprint capability to get you out of trouble. And back home safe.

See last week's new helicopter footage for yourselves on YouTube @:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ufTjABiZWkc

or go to Youtube and type in seaphantom

So far I've had the little 30' demo boat doing just over 80mph and got broadsided by surprise four foot rollers coming directly off the open Gulf rising up into very very nasty chop up against the outflowing current of local river mouth. Four foot chop x twelve foot fetch is very significant in a little thirty footer. The nitrogen filled suspension system worked. High Performance bank turn system carved as predicted. And I'm still here writing this. I'm not so sure how pleasant that would have been in anything less.

48footer comes next. Can do pop-out boarding ramp if called for. Pop up armament systems. Lightweight ballistic screen too. Lots of protection available. And very very scary to anyone you may desire to run down and say hello to.

[ceostruck]

I've seen this. Not an HSV, Hydrofoil or Cat. Brand new stuff. Very low profile at idle. Helicopter speed away. Armament? How about a popup minigun - ON YOUR LEVEL. probably to late to duck that spread... Egress? Nice easy convienent set of retractable/extendable steps. You may even enjoy 50 cal proof backing while making your way up above the waterline. Add a SAM or two just to help make a totaly fullfiling ride back to your flotilla. Sounds like a real great ride to me!

[Shar36]

seaphantom...Please click on the first link below and read the ROE on the site. After you've done that, please click on the second link and make your introduction post to the rest of the membership here at NavySEALs.com.

Thanks,
Shar

http://www.navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=198261#post198261

http://www.navyseals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159848