The JETFOIL is an advanced design hydrofoil that employs fully submerged foils, automatic stabilization and control, and gas turbine powered waterjet propulsion to achieve high speed, rough sea operations. Introduction into regular passenger services during 1975 followed 7 months of extensive underway builders trials. Configuration details are provided and the results of the performance, seastate and certification trials are discussed.
THE BOEING BUILT JETFOIL “MADEIRA” was officially delivered to Far East Hydrofoil Co. Ltd. of Hong Kong on February 7, 1975. Capable of carrying 284 passengers, the MADEIRA is intended for regular service between Hong Kong and Macau. Later in 1975 the MADEIRA will be joined by her sister JETFOIL, the “SANTA MARIA”.
While MADEIRA was the first JETFOIL delivered, it was not the first one built and operated. That distinction went to JETFOIL ONE which was designed for service in Hawaii. Purchased by Pacific Sea Transportation Co. Ltd. of Honolulu, the JETFOIL ONE, renamed the “KALAKAUA”, together with the “KAMEHAMEHA” and “KUHIO”, are scheduled to initiate inter-island passenger service during 1975. These craft will each carry 190 passengers plus 4 tons of baggage in a separate roll-on/roll-off cargo section. They will be operated by SeaFlight Inter-Island Service Co., a subsidiary of Pacific Sea.
The JETFOIL is an advanced design high-speed hydrofoil developed for operations on either protected or open ocean water routes. A major objective of the program was to produce a vehicle that would be able to compete economically with other forms of transport on short routes and at the same time be able to offer a marine capability not presently available for longer routes or for routes that experience rough water conditions.
The JETFOIL has been certified by the United States Coast Guard as an “L” class vessel under Subchapter T of the Code of Federal Regulations, certified by the Hong Kong Marine Department for Short International Voyages, and classed by the American Bureau of Shipping ✠ A1
Hydrofoil Annual Survey ✠ AMS ✠ ACCU.