When attendees at Modern Day Marine heard the name “The Whiskey Project,” some might have expected something related to spirits. Instead, they found a cutting-edge watercraft company showcasing modular combat boats designed for modern military operations.
The Whiskey Project Group, based in Sydney, Australia, drew attention with its 30-foot Whiskey Alpha vessel. Even on display inside the Washington, D.C., convention center, the boat made a strong impression.
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Crafted “by warfighters for warfighters,” the Whiskey Alpha reflects the personal experience of company founder and CEO Darren Schuback, a former member of the Royal Australian Navy.
“I left the Navy with a mission to build the boats I wish we had,” Schuback said. “Throughout my service, I encountered challenges with small craft — whether related to safety, performance, or suitability for the mission. That became our focus in developing this business.”
What are the platforms?
The Whiskey Alpha and its larger counterpart, the 40-foot Whiskey Bravo, feature modular platforms that maximize deck space and payload. Schuback said this design allows the boats to adapt quickly to changing mission requirements.
“It was important for us to maximize versatility,” he said. “The Whiskey Alpha is completely modular by design. Missions can change at a moment’s notice, and we need to adapt our craft and technology to meet those needs.”
That flexibility extends beyond the deck. The boats include modular mast systems, accessible power infrastructure, and customizable architecture beneath the deck.
“It’s almost like a choose-your-own-adventure,” Schuback said. “Whatever the mission, you can adapt the craft accordingly.”
What makes them unique?
Engineers built both vessels for rapid deployment. Crews can transport them by land or air and quickly access and retrieve them as needed.
Schuback said the boats include open-architecture electronic systems that allow users to integrate sensors, autonomous systems, or remote-control technologies.
“We’ve created a base-level package that lets customers plug and play,” he said. “Whatever they want to integrate, they can.”
One of the team’s top priorities was improving operator safety and comfort. Schuback noted that small boat crews often suffer from knee and back injuries due to harsh conditions. To address this, both boats use carbon fiber composite hulls with shock-mitigating designs.
“The hull reduces shock by up to 40%,” he said. “That protects both personnel and sensitive equipment. It also improves fuel efficiency by getting on plane faster and staying there more effectively than traditional deep-V hulls.”
The U.S. Marine Corps has already begun testing the Whiskey Bravo. Four units have been delivered to Marines in California for evaluation. The Whiskey Alpha on display in Washington was later sent to Marines in Tampa, Florida, for further testing.
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