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It looks like this was built by Douglas Aircraft Company so it's not just some guy with a whacky idea.
Anyone know any more?
Joe at TravelPage.com
Douglas Aircraft Matson Cruise Ship Line Factory Model Cruise Ship Jet Powered Catamaran Lurline Matsonia 60's
Rare Original Matson Cruise Lines Proposal Model Model: Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran. Manufacture: Douglas Aircraft Factory Model. Description: This one off model, is from the estate of the late R. J. Pfeiffer who was the the CEO and later the Chairman of Matson Shipping. The model was created by Douglas Aircraft in the early to mid 1960's (prior to the merger with McDonnell) as a Proposed Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran for Matson Cruise Lines. Each hull is named after two other historic cruise ships that once flew the Matson Cruise Lines Flag.. the Lurline and the Matsonia. This model was a gift from Donald Douglas to Robert Pheiffer. For more information on R. F. Pfeiffer click on: http://www.matson.com/press/press_release.cfm?id=106 Dimensions: The length is 10.5 inches long with a width of 7.25 inches Condition: Excellent - original paint and decals, with a few light scratches and tiny chip out of the wing. The model is made out of cast resin and mounted on a plexiglass custom base. The model is complete with its original Douglas Aircraft wooden carrying case. This model is a rare find!!!
The jet engines right in front of each other are a bit strange and I would not have expected that from Douglas - but who cares - it looks good.
I guess the only way to top that would be a model of a nuclear powered jet engined cruise ship steered by a robot pilot with the most powerful electronic brain in existence - just how one would expect traveling to be in the late 1970ies.
[ 09-14-2010: Message edited by: Ernst ]
It reminds me of Russia's once secret Ekranoplan, known as the 'Caspian Sea Monster':
(Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Nu94khHoo&feature=related
(Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvyXdcLRfFs&feature=related
[ 09-14-2010: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
quote:Originally posted by Ernst:This is absolutely awesome.The jet engines right in front of each other are a bit strange and I would not have expected that from Douglas - but who cares - it looks good. ...
The jet engines right in front of each other are a bit strange and I would not have expected that from Douglas - but who cares - it looks good. ...
Here's a link to a patent for a "Winged Ground Effect Machine" which looks very similar.
From what it says in the patent the objects on the wings are more fan-like than traditional jet engines.
[ 09-14-2010: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]
I would love to see a new "Lurline," but that is not it!
Pam
quote:Originally posted by joe at travelpage:Here's a link to a patent for a "Winged Ground Effect Machine" which looks very similar. [...]
Here's a link to a patent for a "Winged Ground Effect Machine" which looks very similar. [...]
Thanks for the link. It indeed seems that these pods on the wings are not housing jet engines but fans diverting air downwards. Such vehicles can have a hard time to take off - maybe the inventor hoped to create more lift this way.
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:Joe, It reminds me of Russia's once secret Ekranoplan, known as the 'Caspian Sea Monster':(Part 1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Nu94khHoo&feature=related(Part 2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvyXdcLRfFs&feature=related[ 09-14-2010: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]
Now THERE is a classic! A couple of prototypes still exist (either on display in museums or derelict). The actual craft that became known as the "Caspian sea monster" was unfortunately lost in an accident, but the massive Ekranoplan Lun (carrying missiles!) is still lying derelict in a dock along the Caspian Sea coast:
http://afghanistansquid.blogspot.com/2010/09/weird-weapons-lun-class-ekranoplan.html
[ 09-15-2010: Message edited by: rd77 ]
quote:Originally posted by Cambodge:I expect that the noise from the engines would only be exceeded by the appetite for fuel!
I'm not so sure... jets might be the thriftiest option, considering how badly submerged props or jets would cavitate trying to get a high-speed cat like this up to 250 knots!
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