The Boeing jet-propelled research hydroplane, or Hydrodynamic Test System (HTS), was put into operation in 1961. This lobster-shaped craft had provision for placing foil models of about 0.50-square feet and other shapes in the water between the "claws". This 16,000 pound, 38-ft long craft with an Allison J-33 turbo-jet engine having a thrust of 4,600 lb, was capable of speeds up to about 80 knots.
The starboard cockpit carried the driver, and the test observer was in the port cockpit. The instrumentation of the craft was such that a complete polar plot (lift and drag versus angle of attack) at one depth and speed could be obtained in a run time of 30 seconds.
The HTS operated on Lake Washington on calm, quiet water during daylight hours. It proved to be indispensable in adding to the knowledge of hydrodynamics of high speed foils at that time.
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