Exomos announces launch of ground-breaking high speed Air Boat

The high speed shallow water craft is powered by a Lycoming 600bhp turbo jet engine, and boasts space-age construction with abrasion-resistant Kevlar bottom and carbon fiber hull and air duct. The Air Boat has been designed to burn diesel or jet fuel as safer alternatives to gasoline.

After formally testing the craft's performance and safety pre-launch, Exomos CEO Hérve Jaubert said, "During testing, the Exomos Airboat outperformed expectations in every respect. A design feature unique to the Airboat is a ducted fan that not only streamlines thrust to add speed but also prevents air flow from passing through the boat and affecting passengers, enhancing comfort levels aboard the boat. The ducted fan is mated with a gearbox that allows the Airboat to operate in reverse."

The 35 foot long Airboat can carry up to 10 passengers or 1,000kg of cargo. Mohammed Amin, Deputy Chief of Operations and Senior Marketing Manager, Exomos said,

"The Airboat has been designed for versatility and can hit speeds of up to 50 mph. It can provide a broad array of services, from tourist excursions and commercial operations to law enforcement, aid relief and search and rescue missions in otherwise inaccessible locations. Its ability to access even the shallowest waters means it is ideal for relief in flooded areas, making it a low cost alternative to helicopters."

Exomos is a member company of Dubai's Ports, Customs and Free zone Corporation (PCFC) and conceptualizes, designs and manufactures its vessels in the Dubai Jebel Ali Free Zone. Exomos is now accepting orders for its Airboat and will showcase the vessel at the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show from 14-18 March 2006.