The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- John Furner
While we know James Bond will soon be getting a new look with the departure of Daniel Craig, he could also be getting a new ride.
Engineers have designed a bizarre watercraft that is shaped like a shark, and can travel both along the surface of the water and several feet below it.
The prototype vessel, dubbed the ‘Jet Shark Q Model’, has a top speed of 45mph (72kph), but its creator says a market version will approach speeds of 55mph (89kph).
As well as being able to take passengers from A to B across the ocean, the boat can also launch from beneath the waves to pull off impressive mid-air tricks.
It is estimated that the Jet Shark will cost between $200,000 (£165,000) and $300,000 (£248,000) when it goes on sale.
Engineers have designed a bizarre watercraft that is shaped like a shark, and can travel both along the surface of the water and several feet below it
The prototype vessel, dubbed the ‘Jet Shark Q Model’, has a top speed of 45mph (72kph), but its creator says a market version will approach speeds of 55mph (89kph)
New Zealand-based Jet Shark company founder Rob Innes has been designing and selling unique custom-built watercraft for over 25 years.
He previously co-invented Seabreacher, a two-seater craft styled as either a shark, killer whale or dolphin, but wanted to allow for more on board.
The Q Model is 20 feet (6m) in length and fits four people, but there are plans to increase its size to accommodate for six.
Mr Innes said: ‘The goal with the Jet Shark was to offer the unique experience of diving below the water’s surface but in a far more spacious, user-friendly vessel.
‘We want to offer customers the excitement of the very agile Seabreachers but in a more comfortable, practical, and reliable vessel.
‘However, it was still very important to me that we created a very sexy modern design that didn’t resemble an underwater minivan!’
The Jet Shark can only dive about five feet (1.5 m) underwater, and the entire time a pod containing a snorkel and camera will remain poking above the water.
The snorkel allows for the engine to ‘breathe’, while the camera gives the driver a view of what’s going on at the surface.
It is equipped with a number of safety features, one of which will see the vessel return to the surface if it loses power while diving.
Its buoyancy means that even if the entire vessel is completely flooded it will still float and self-right.
Onboard cameras, sensors, and LiDAR system – where lasers send out short pulses which bounce back when they hit an obstacle – help the driver stay aware of their surroundings while diving.
As well as being able to take its passengers from A to B across the ocean, the boat can also launch from beneath the waves to pull off impressive mid-air tricks
The Q Model is 20 feet (6m) in length and fits four people, but there are plans to increase its size to accommodate for six
All onboard functions can be controlled using the twin touch screen displays in front of the two front seats, allowing both passengers to control the semi-submersible craft
The Jet Shark can only dive about five feet (1.5 m) underwater, and the entire time a pod containing a snorkel and camera will remain poking above the water
Passengers of the Jet Shark Q Model sit within a climate-controlled, watertight cockpit with panoramic windows.
All onboard functions can be controlled using the twin touch screen displays in front of the two front seats, allowing both passengers to control the semi-submersible craft.
Two large dive planes controlled by an electro-hydraulic system will push the Jet Shark underwater when activated.
Depth and direction can also be controlled by its jet thrust and rear elevators.
The Jet Shark can be operated with its two gull-wing doors open when being driven along the water’s surface on a sunny day.
The Q model is powered by a 420hp petrol engine, but the inventor says future models will be equipped by 600hp petrol engines, diesel engines or potentially electric motors.
While the Jet Shark team are still developing the final market version of the watercraft, they are planning on taking first orders later this year.
Mr Innes said: ‘It was still very important to me that we created a very sexy modern design that didn’t resemble an underwater minivan.’ Pictured: The speedboat featured in ‘The World Is Not Enough’ with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, which resembles the Jet Shark
The Jet Shark can be operated with its two gull-wing doors open when being driven along the water’s surface on a sunny day
Rob Innes previously co-invented Seabreacher , a two-seater craft styled as either a shark, killer whale or dolphin, but wanted to allow for more on board
The Q model is powered by a 420hp petrol engine, but the inventor says future models will be equipped by 600hp petrol engines, diesel engines or potentially electric motors
