Not a new invention just an adaptation of an old deltic engine used in locomotive in the uk.

Apart from heavy crude oil use and a more compact size, what are the other advantages for this design's use in an aquatic environment?

Why aren't they using porsche or subaru engine which is exactly what we call a flat engine?
Also, they could have put their money inside a better engine like the liquidpiston engine which is suppose to be really smaller...

350 bhp impressive.. I love compression ignition and I am really glad they are going forward with this.. I just wish they were pushing to develop some of the more radical layouts.

The engine strikes me as being somewhat overly complicated but sometimes it's worth the effort.

Why would you need 350bhp to power such a small boat? If you must chase drug runners surely its cheaper to use the heat seeking weaponry which is already available to them.

A multi-fuel Diesel block is certainly the most versatile fuel option and a scotch yoke may also offer a cylinder(s) shut down option as well. As a marine block constructed for maintained high rpm's, I would suspect that this would be a very sturdy casting. If the yoke were made right, it might help in a supercharging config. It would be neat to combine this engine with a pair of Holden Battery packs for a 4WD Hybrid Vehicle application.
You saw it here first.. well actually... no,, this was first: http://www.gizmag.com/go/4272/

re; Anthony Collett
In places ruled by Law killing people suspected of committing a crime is murder. Also heat seeking weapons are very expensive.

Ah, if only automakers could be as "motivated" (showered by tax dollars) as defense departments, what a wonderful world this would be.

Why would you waste money developing this when the USA navy has already done it? Every level of Government believes their needs are special no wonder taxes are so hi