An Australian-designed, steam-driven jet engine is set to revolutionise
water travel by providing a more efficient, clean and safer alternative to
conventional outboard motors.
New Scientist magazine says the Pursuit Marine Drive - described as an
underwater jet engine - could soon be powering dinghies and speedboats.
The drive system, invented by engineer Alan Burns, produces thrust by using
the energy from high-pressure steam to draw in water through an intake at
the front and expel it at high speed through the rear.
Burns' idea has been developed in Britain by engineers at Pursuit Dynamics.
The drive should be kinder to the environment as it does not leak oil like
conventional outboards and has no propeller that could injure large sea
creatures.
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http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/30/1043804465832.html
Pursuit Dynamics hopes to have licensed other manufacturers to make the
engine by the end of the year.