PORTSMOUTH, N.H., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has lifted its block on images of Ghost, the first super-cavitating stealth craft developed, by Juliet Marine Systems.
The craft is a combination of stealth fighter aircraft and attack helicopter technologies packaged in a marine platform and Juliet has now published its image.
Juliet said development of Ghost, done without government funding, was in many ways as difficult as breaking the sound barrier. Ghost is a combination aircraft/boat that has been designed to fly through an artificial underwater gaseous environment that creates 900 times less hull friction than water.
Ghost technology adapts to manned or unmanned, surface or submerged applications.
"Any Navy possessing Ghost technology could operate in international waters undetected and would have an overwhelming advantage against conventional ships," the company said.
"Ghost is specifically designed for Fleet Force Protection at its present size. Ghost technology is scalable and JMS is discussing a plan to build a larger corvette-sized vessel (150 feet) by working with a large international defense company.
Juliet Marine, which has headquarters in New Hampshire, said a squadron of the super-cavitating craft wouldn't be detectable to enemy ship radar and sensors and they can carry thousands of pounds of weapons, including Mark 48 torpedoes.
