IT can blast along at nearly 70mph, sports a .50 calibre machine gun hidden under its deck and has a massive 1,000-mile range.
Introducing the XSR Interceptor, a powerboat so advanced it would not look out of place in a James Bond film.
The XSR, which has been hailed as the world’s most advanced performance and pursuit vessel, is the brainchild of Hampshire powerboat pioneers XSMG World – and is now set to take up the fight against smugglers and pirates around the world.
It will allow armed forces to track down and outrun drug smuggling boats and pirate ships as well as deploy troops to enemy shores.
When the £1.5m machine – the marine equivalent of a supercar – comes into range of its target the machine gun comes into play, popping up from the boat’s forward deck, and operated using remote control from the cockpit. Other weapons can be mounted in the rear cockpit and the boat comes equipped with a small galley, fridge and stretcher positions.
The XSR also boasts a “revolutionary” stabilisation system to help it power through turns and give it greater stability in extreme weather conditions.
The boat was unveiled at the Defence and Security Exhibition at Excel in London, a trade show for armed services.
Founded by former powerboat world champion and endurance record holder Ian Sanderson, from Lymington, XSMG World shot to fame in September 2007 with the launch of the £1m XSR48 Superboat, the fastest diesel production boat ever built.
A spokesman for XSMG World said: “The XSR is the most advanced product technically in its class by a significant margin.”
XSR Interceptor fact file
Top speed: 65 knots
Crew: Seven
Passengers: 14 seated
Carries: 6,000l fuel, 300l fresh water, 1,095kg weapons and ammunition, 500kg stores
Range: 1,000 nautical miles
Endurance: 48 hours
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