Spotlight on Crane-Jet Boat

Contractors and customers of Crane are interested in functions and features of boats like this one. In the past, research that applies to crafts like this were tested in labs and shipped to the contractors, along with personnel, was very costly.

Scott Kinney says, "Having the boat right here next to the labs, is we can go straight from testing in the lab to make sure it does what it's supposed to do, according to the manufacturer. Then we can come strap it directly onto the test platform and get it out on the water and use it similarly than the people who are going to use it in the water."

This craft is a jet-powered boat. Two huge engines force water out, much like a huge jet ski. Contractors utilize that technology for the military. The craft stops or changes directions by covering the jet openings with buckets, controlled by the pilot.

Kinney continues, "I can go straight from all the way forward to all the way reverse without changing any gears, so, since I can do it at full speed, so, if I'm driving the boat and I see a floating log and I don't want to hurt my hull, I just drop my buckets and stop this thing extremely fast, just like hitting the brakes on your car."

The boat is also very useful in spotting the enemy for War Fighters all over the world. We'll show you how in our next Spotlight on Crane.