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MILITARY INVENTIONS
E-MAIL
Low Rider
It's 88 ft. long, 40 ft. across the beam, weighs 45 tons and carries 2,000 sq. ft. of cargo, but the carbon-fiber M80 Stiletto draws only 3 ft. of water, making it uniquely suited for naval missions in shallow water. The M80 achieves its remarkable draft with a specially sculpted hull that lets air and water flow underneath to reduce wind resistance and generate lift. Capable of speeds of up to 50 knots (58 m.p.h.), the ship is intended for military use, but similar technology is used in fishing boats, yachts and even water taxis that cross Venice's shallow canals.
Inventor: M Ship Co.
Availability: Now; $6 million
To learn more visit mshipco.com

Photo credit: Bob Grieser
NEXT: StrawJet





BY ANITA HAMILTON, MARYANNE MURRAY BUECHNER, JEREMY CAPLAN, WILSON ROTHMAN AND ALICE PARK

Copyright © 2006 Time Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

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