This silent film shows the Ocean Patrol Hydrofoil HMS Speedy demonstrating its capabilities. Also shown is a civilian version of the same type of Boeing 929 Jetfoil, operating for P&O Ferries. (This is probably the P&O Flying Princess, although it’s not clear.)

Procured in 1979, the HMS Speedy (P296) was intended to work as a Royal Navy mine-sweeping vessel. The ship was the first of a planned class of twelve. Tests with HMS Speedy were intended to provide the RN with practical experience in the operation and support of a hydrofoil, to establish technical and performance characteristics, and to assess the capability of such a ship not only with the RN but in ancillary service for the Fishery Protection Squadron. After extensive sea trials at Portsmouth were assessed as a failure, the RN lost interest. HMS Speedy was eventually sold into mercantile service in 1986. It remains in operation as a high speed ferry operating between Hong Kong and Macau.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com