The Bluebird Project

Viper Jet engined monohull.

Not sure that this deserves a place here but as Bill appeared as an independent 'expert' (standing alongside K7 explaining the balance needed). In the Quest TV programme a thrust powered boat was built and that boat went 10km or so on Loch Ness. A very interesting programme.

Take a complete Jet Provost and take out the RR Viper engine, starter and controls. Place the motor at a low level in a former offshore powerboat hull coloured dark blue. Put James (or Jimmy) de Ville as the pilot and Aid Bennett (the jet engine specialist) as throttleman and speed across Loch Ness. It was 'on the plane'. What could go wrong?

Apart from a 'spin' not a lot. Any waterborne governing body will have had nightmares, but what the hell ...... it might inspire others.

As Mike says, lots of unnecessary hype, but it shows what can be done if you don't bother with windtunnel testing, stressing cases and the like and just build something and run it.

Ninety kph on Loch Ness. Full credit to those involved. What John Cobb would have made of it is anybody's guess, but aside from the irritating whoops and cringey man-hugs I found it most inspiring.

Nigel

Have to say I was a little disappointed. Tested to the limit? Glass-flat at 90kph. That's a mere 55mph , which my old RIB could do on a pair of rattly old 50hp Yamahas - and that went out in all weathers on salt water too.
Let's get a lend of Jimmy's jet boat, load a few of the divers aboard, launch it in the North Sea and test it 'til it sinks from under us. That'd be good telly!