Move Back
![Stiletto_opener]()
The Stiletto is described as the largest all-carbon power boat in the world. Its four Caterpillar engines give the craft enough pep to speed through rough seas at up to 35 knots.![Stiletto_8]()
The boat was a big draw for people attending a convention sponsored by the Navy League, a non-profit civilian organization.![Stiletto_9]()
It isn't immediately clear if the convention-goers drawn to Stiletto gawked because of its odd look or saw it as a potential for future business -- or just wanted an opportunity to escape the convention hall and spend a few minutes on the water. Read more at our LiveShots blog.![Stiletto_1]()
While the 78 ton boat has been deployed on several missions supporting drug enforcement operations in Central and South America, its more significant contribution is to help the military develop future technologies.![Stiletto_2]()
Over the past four years the Pentagon has essentially used Stiletto as a test laboratory. Private companies including major military contractors like Lockheed Martin work with military officials to install their latest inventions on the boat. Then under the direction of the Department of Defense the new technology is integrated with existing systems and Stiletto is taken out to sea for exercises.![Stiletto_3]()
A publicity sheet associated with the program describes the purpose of Stiletto's technical mission as "broaden[ing] maritime options and capabilities through testing and evaluation of emerging technologies that will aid the warfighter."![Stiletto_5]()
Stiletto allows military officers to review the performance of the new machinery and suggest improvements or design changes.![Stiletto_6]()
The obvious benefit of the program to contractors is that it allows them to show off their inventions with an eye towards deployment throughout the military.![Stiletto_7]()
An official familiar with the program says it takes about two months to get everything scheduled and because the program is funded directly through the Defense Secretary's office, Stiletto bypasses a lot of red tape normally associated with developing military programs.Experimental Military Boat Hits the Potomac
The U.S. military's Stiletto research craft was on display in the Potomac River just outside Washington D.C., and drew a lot of attention because of its looks and mission.
Move Forward
- Experimental Military Boat Hits the Potomac
