Private venture. If they have a sponsor, they're certainly not bragging about it on their website. Most likely a non-profit deal so a guy can write off his toys.

The J58 engines they list as using are rated at 5,000lbs/ max thrust. The 2 hp/lb conversion is incorrect and overly optimistic. Pounds thrust of a jet engine or rocket motor cannot be directly converted to horsepower.

It appears to be a real project- They have photos of it on their website. Looks kinda' crude and heavy.

It will probably make alot of noise and be fun to watch but I don't figure Callan needs to stay up tonight worrying about it.

never heard of j-85 's,now j-79's put out 17,000lbs of thrust,(f-4 e phantom) and would burn up two 270 gallon wing tanks on take-off,and were LOUD.cheers Bobcat

J-85's were only put in the T-38 trainer. The T-Birds ride prior to the F-16.

A pair of J-79's would certainly make that thing scoot.

not to mention a little black smoke, the navy is still flying the t38/ f-5 as aggressors down here.

I believe the J-85 is the military version (afterburner equipped) of the civilian General Electric CJ-610 used on the Lear 20 series and Rockwell Jet Commander business/personal aircraft. These are all now pretty well grounded in North America due to Stage III noise restrictions.
Jim

Looks a little unrealistic, but what do I know!

Chris,

Check out the Hall of Honor on their sponsorship page:

http://usmsg.org/sponsorship.html

Bart

Its scheduled to be at the Stuart Air Show in November and the St. Pete Boat Show in December.... it would be neat to see some pics...

Cool idea, but would have ben better to use regular Turbo-prop gas turbines, like a set of T53's, and just use a rear facing exhaust like aquadoll or bud selct mti with an afterburner kit installed for effect. Would have been much safer and practical.

Now an custom design full canopy record boat with jet thrust turbines to go after the speed record would be cool and hopefully in the works somewhere or somtime soon.

thats cool....i want one please....