Ultra Dynamics was established in the 1950s in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK, when it was part of the Dowty Group and has been active in the maritime propulsion industry since.
Since becoming Ultra Dynamics in 1996, the company's main objective has been to increase its range of UltraJets and introduce new control systems to the range, at the same time as providing a valuable source of technical assistance to vessel designers, builders and end users. The company has ensured that it provides a high level of customer support during initial application studies through to commissioning, as well as providing a repair and maintenance service and customer training either on site, or at Cheltenham, to the complete satisfaction of customers.
A wide range of high tech, high performance vessels were fitted with UltraJets in 2009, and those being considered as being significantly worthy of mention include: Damen's new High Speed Stan Patrol 1204 craft 'Don Quixote'; South Boat's first 20-metre catamaran fitted with UltraJet 575s; triple UJ377 UltraJets propelling Oslo City's Fire Department boat; and the Dutch Navy landing craft fitted with twin UltraJet 410 waterjets. All these craft were fitted with variants of the latest JetMaster control systems.
When requested, interceptors are also fitted to the waterjets to provide fuel efficiency steering and to optimise the trim of the boat with varying loads.
2009 has been a positive and busy year for Ultra Dynamics – working closely with customers to provide prompt application assistance, on-time delivery and ongoing support once the boat is in service and at the same time managing to introduce the new UltraJet UJ525 and UJ452 to the range.
The design of the UJ525 was the first UltraJet model to be fully designed using Solidworks 3D capability enabling a high degree of accuracy, lower tooling costs and the ability to optimise the flow characteristics of the jet.
The first UltraJet UJ525 installations were ordered for a new 18m catamaran project even before the jet design had been finalised, but were delivered on time to meet the customer's requirements.
The UltraJet UJ525 incorporates several improvements which include a redesigned reverse deflector with improved flow characteristics to increase the reverse and manoeuvring thrust. There are also a number of improvements on the UltraJet UJ525 to improve durability, service life and maintainability.
Comparing waterjets size for size, the UltraJet design and quality in manufacture delivers waterjets of excellent thrust and high speed.
In the military sector, UltraJet completed delivery of 228 UJ305 Jets to ACB for the US Marines.