U.S. NAVY OF TOMORROW MAY BUILD LIGHTER AND FASTER VESSELS

Published Feb 17, 2005 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Last week, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Seattle, Washington, christened the 262-foot "Sea Fighter," which is the military's version of a high-speed passenger catamaran. The vessel is a prototype which can operate in 11 feet of shallow water.

The deck can carry two helicopters, and the stern can retrieve small boats and underwater drones. Its cargo bay can accommodate twelve 20-foot shipping containers, and the highly maneuverable ship can travel at 50 knots. The Navy will test the vessel to see if a class of ships should be ordered.