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Humanity To Others;Knowledge Is Not Ours To Keep Alone;Your Mind Is Your Most Precious Resource
Proteus
Water Buggy
A prototype watercraft is designed to go almost anywhere, bump-free.
It’s known as Proteus,
and its performance is just as unusual as its appearance. The creation of California company Marine Advanced Research,
this leggy craft is the helicopter of boats, explains designer Ugo Conti, who says Proteus clones could someday be used
for quickly deploying research equipment to far-flung locales or for ocean search-and-rescue operations.
The range of conventional craft is limited by their ability to take the pounding of huge swells in the open ocean and by the
depth of the boats’ draft in shallow water. Proteus’s catamaran-style hulls displace only 18 inches, so it can operate safely
close to shore. And the vehicle is designed to surf on top of the waves, rather than cut through them, allowing it to travel safely
and efficiently in rough seas. The ride can’t be beat: The cockpit is suspended on four aluminum legs attached to the hulls by
titanium springs. Which means no bumps—and a view 12 feet above the waves.
and its performance is just as unusual as its appearance. The creation of California company Marine Advanced Research,
this leggy craft is the helicopter of boats, explains designer Ugo Conti, who says Proteus clones could someday be used
for quickly deploying research equipment to far-flung locales or for ocean search-and-rescue operations.
The range of conventional craft is limited by their ability to take the pounding of huge swells in the open ocean and by the
depth of the boats’ draft in shallow water. Proteus’s catamaran-style hulls displace only 18 inches, so it can operate safely
close to shore. And the vehicle is designed to surf on top of the waves, rather than cut through them, allowing it to travel safely
and efficiently in rough seas. The ride can’t be beat: The cockpit is suspended on four aluminum legs attached to the hulls by
titanium springs. Which means no bumps—and a view 12 feet above the waves.