This new design, based
upon proven technology, will be manufactured in the United
States for full compliance with the Jones Act. Currently, the
development team, headed by retired Coast Guard personnel are
bringing together the final elements to submit for Coast Guard
approval. Secondly, a simulation of the craft, when completed,
will be the only WIG simulation system in the world.
Under United Nations International
Maritime Organization (IMO) legislation, ground effect craft
are recognized universally as marine vessels for construction,
insurance, operator licensing and registration requirements.
The purchase and operating costs are therefore considerably
less than traditional aircraft, while still being able to
travel at a speed comparable to a light aircraft.
Flight attitude in the Blue Dolphin is extremely stable.
Sea state and wave action have only a very minor effect when
airborne. All Pacific Seaflight vessels operate above the water up
to around 50% of the wingspan. The larger the vessel, the
higher the surface clearance and wave height capability.
The Blue Dolphin Commuter has a maximum water surface clearance
capability of up to nine feet over the crests of 12 foot waves.
A range of up to 1240 nm and a cruising speed of 120 mph is achievable.
The Blue Dolphin is molded and fabricated from low maintenance FRP
composites. Maximum external
noise emission in the cruise mode is 75 dBA at 100 meters.
This is far less than a heavy diesel truck @ 90 dBA on the
highway or a jet aircraft taking off at 125 dBA.
Main propulsion for high speed operation is provided by
twin extremely reliable and efficient
V12 Engines,
Each, individually shaft driving a 5 bladed encased propeller. The engine
choice allows easy maintenance at 2500 hours TBO,
with a worldwide availability of spare parts
Standard equipment provided with the Blue Dolphin includes SOLAS life
jackets, life rafts, flares, 2 VHF radios, depth sounder, ECDIS
and computer navigation system, GPS, AIS, 18nm MARPA forward looking radar, pitch and roll alarm presets,
altimeter, air speed indicator and full cabin air conditioning.
Total passenger and crew comfort and safety have been designed
into the Blue Dolphin to ensure operational comfort and safety which
is equal to, or better than, all model high speed ferries
worldwide.
If required the Blue Dolphin Commuter is able to operate with
no wharf or landing strip infrastructure. This provides operators
with unique opportunities to develop transport links for undeveloped
regions and inaccessible areas. Aviation style revenue
seating is rack mounted to allow for rapid conversion from
passenger module to freight or other operation configurations.
|
