>ats & Barges
SWATH Ocean System Delivers
Pilot Boat To Houston Pilot
The Houston is a Small
Vaterplane Area Twin Hull
SWATH) Ocean System's 2000
"lass coastal pilot craft employing
eportedly the world's first applica-
ion of SWATH technology to off-
ihore pilotage.
The craft is 67 feet long, with a
naximum beam of 37 feet and full
oad draft of eight feet. Its maxi-
num intermittent speed is 27 knots
and its maximum range is 2,000
nautical miles. As a result of the
twin displacement hulls and sepa-
ration of propellers, the craft is able
to "come along side" ships at speed
for the transfer of pilots. Overcom-
ing the suctions encountered along
side a ship and pulling off is easily
accomplished by the SWATH pilot.
Directional stability, maneuver-
ability and a design which is becom-
ing widely accepted as a stable op-
erational platform all combine to
produce a craft ideally suited for the
rigors of pilotage.
SWATH Ocean Systems is com-
mitted to product superiority and
has earned a reputation in SWATH
technology by lessons learned over
two decades of research and develop-
ment.
For more information on SWATH
Ocean Systems,
Circle 79 on Reader Service Card
Argonautics Completes
Transport Feasibility Study
For CDNSWC
Argonautics Marine Engineering,
of Sausalito, Calif., has recently com-
pleted a feasibility study on the
transport of deployable waterfront
facility (DWF) modules for the
Carderock Division, Naval Surface
Warfare Center (CDNSWC). The
study identified the capabilities of
presently existing commercial heavy
lift barges and vessels with respect
to transporting DWF modules.
The dry tow option by barge was
compared to the dry transport op-
tion by self-propelled heavy lift ves-
sel. Aspects such as load-out proce-
dures, stability during
(de)ballasting, cribbing and
seafastening arrangements, etc.,
were addressed.
Alternative cribbing and
seafastening methods were proposed
to substantially reduce the time re-
quired for deck preparations and
seafastening.
Frank van Horn, president of
Argonautics Marine Engineering,
said, "An athwartship's stowage of
the modules is the most economical
way, but this will result in a rela-
tively large overhang. Design
changes to the DWF modules were
recommended to limit the effect of
slamming on these overhanging
parts of the hulls."
Centurion Could Be Config-
ured As Special-Op Sub
According to Navy sources, the
first of the proposed Centurian Class
nuclear attack subs may be config-
ured for special operations missions,
marking a radical departure from
traditional U.S. submarine theory.
The plan is supported by the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, the Navy, leaders in
the special operations community
and some members of private indus-
try. Under its "Recapitalization of
the Navy" long-range acquisition
plan, the service would start con-
struction of a special operations sub-
marine in fiscal year 1998 or 1999,
with long-lead funding requested
two years earlier to begin building
its nuclear power plant. While the
"Commando Centurian" would still
be equipped with torpedo tubes and
a combat system, space would be
specially set aside for as many as 65
special operations troops. Follow-
ing standard nomenclature, the sub
would be called an SSPN and would
be fitted with a diver lock-out cham-
ber and a dry-deck shelter to carry
one or more swimmer delivery ve-
hicles.
The program would be useful to
the U.S. submarine building base,
as the SSPN's lack of a sophisticated
fire control system and large tor-
pedo load would keep its costs down,
making it possible to have more than
one sub built each year.
The Russians have two Uniform
Class nuclear submarines especially
configured for commando opera-
tions, a practice deemed unneces-
sary by the U.S. Navy who consid-
ered its boats to be capable of all
types of missions equally well. The
Uniform Class displaces 2,000 tons
submerged, while the Centurian will
probably be in excess of 6,000 tons.
The Navy is looking to design the
Centurian with modularity in mind,
giving it the ability to tailor the sub
for specific missions.
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MULTI-PURPOSE
PUMPING EFFICIENCY
VM DECK EDUCT0RS
Only the hose goes into tank to vacuum
liquids at rate of 10-15 gpm at suction
lifts up to 70 or more.
it dry!
Circle 170 on Reader Service Card
VM BILGEMATE
Ideal for pumping bilges—stripping
ballast, etc. Peripheral jet design
handles liquids, solids, air. 7>k" to 6°
sizes available.
VM PORTABLE EDUCT0RS
Handy auxiliary pump for regular or
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ballast, bilge, cargo spaces and tanks.
Just attach hose from fire main and
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Circle 257 on Reader Service Card
June, 1993 91
Digital Wave Publishing