London Jet
The photos show the London Jet Catamaran at full speed on the Colorado river and
Lake Havasu for which a Hysucat hydrofoil system was designed by FASTcc in
South Africa.
The standard Hysucat foil system consists of a mainfoil slightly forward of the
Londitudinal Center of Gravity (LCG) and two smaller canter-lever trim foils on the
tunnel side walls near the transom.
The complete stainless steel foil system was built by Hydrofoil Manufacturers S.A.
and shipped over to Las Vegas for assembly.
The aluminium catamaran hull design is by Stephen F. Pollard of Specmar, Inc.
(www.specmar.com) and the superstructure with detail design, arrangement and
the complete building by Joe Fitch of London Bridge Jet Tours, Laughlin Nv., who
also operates the London Jet as a sight-seeing touristic ferry on the Colorado river
and lake at Las Vegas / USA, (google-link : London Bridge Jet Boat Tours; email ;
londonjet@mac.com).
The London Jet can carry 42 persons if children are included or 34 adults at speeds
over 40 knots (46.1 mph).
The London Jet has an overall length of Loa = 13.294[m](43.6�) including the swim
platform, a maximum width of Bmax = 4.824 [m] (15.8�) and a tunnel width of Btunnel =
1.636 [m] (5.4�). The catamaran demi-hulls are fully asymmetrical.
Propulsion is by twin Scania D112 Diesel engines with 2 * 625 [kW] (2 * 850 HP)
and Hamilton HJ 322 waterjets coupled without gearboxes.
Total weight fully laden is 15.410 [t metric] (33963 lbs).
Small interceptor blades are fitted to the transoms for trim regulation and as anti-
porpoising devices.
The London Jet without the foil system had achieved 34.7 knots at 2175 rpm when
fully loaded (Displacement weight 15.144 [t metric] ).
The trials of the foil assisted London Jet were conducted on the Colorado river in July
2012 during which small interceptors were fitted to the transom to reduce porpoising
tendencies.
With the foil system installed and interceptor the fully laden top speed was 41.645
knots (48 mph) and with 32 passengers 43.38 knots (50 mph).
With 34 passengers the fuel consumption at 35 knots cruising speed is about 2 * 20
gallons per hour (75.7 litre fuel per hour).
Fuel consumption is approximate as the river velocities and depth�s vary constantly
and this has an influence on the fuel consumption.
Pollard and Fitch are fully satisfied with the Performance of the London Jet and
considering size and number of passengers it is one of the most efficient high speed
ferries or water taxis around with increased top speed, reduced fuel consumption and
pleasant sea-keeping.
Please view the attached photos from various viewpoints and at different speeds.