TARCO RESEARCH PRESS ARCHIVE TRANSCRIPT:

HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER FALL 1996 CATALOG

FROM OUR COVER: THE VARIABLE ATTITUDE SUBMERSIBLE HYDROFOIL (VASH™).
A Hammacher Schlemmer catalog exclusive, VASH™ combines the speed, grace, and agility of dolphins, orca and penguins to fly over, under and through the water. Powered by a high-output, 2-cycle gasoline engine, it can dive to depths of 150 feet at submerged speeds of up to 35 mph or skim smoothly over the sea at over 85 mph atop it's shock absorbing, hydro-foil "flippers". From a deep high-speed dive the VASH™ can leap from the water to heights up to 30 feet or perform intricate aerobatics while a special seat cushions it's pilot against deceleration and turning forces up to 6G's. when surfaced a self-actuating "blowhole" inhales air which is compressed and stored in "lungs" for use in dives up to two minutes. The pilot's dry, single atmosphere cockpit has it's own separate fresh air supply. It is flown using a fly-by-wire system similar to a jet fighter's to control it's hydraulic flippers and fins. The pilot is guided by a wide-angle, 3D depth and obstacle display. a 6-channel GPS, plus vertical and side-scanning sonar. It's hull is an ultra-strong, high-impact, advanced aerospace composite and, if power fails, the positively buoyant, self righting VASH™ glides safely to the surface. Includes pilot training and certification by VASH™ creator, Thomas "Doc" Rowe. Made in U.S.A. 12' L x 5' H x 7.5' W (600 Lbs.)