MULTI-SECTION SHIP FEASIBILITY AND CONCEPT DESIGN STUDY

Certain technical problem areas are addressed involving the use of the multi-section ship (MSS) concept for naval ships. The MSS concept involves the construction of a ship in two distinct, separable parts, a pusher unit and a functional unit. A standard pusher unit is determined to be feasible for all missions not requiring high speed (above 20-22 knots). One such standard pusher is synthesized and examined in detail as to characteristics, performance, manning and costs. The use of the standard pusher with three selected functional units replacing conventional ships--a submarine tender, a replenishment oiler, and an attack cargo ship--is investigated. The differences are noted between the MSS versions and their existing counterparts with respect to size, speed, manning and cost. Potential problems areas in the application of the concept are identified, studied, and evaluated (i.e., manning, power supply, coupling and uncoupling maneuvers). No unsolvable potential problem areas are found that would preclude the successful application of this concept to naval support missions. The ability of the pusher to perform alternate missions when not pushing a functional unit is also examined. Four such representative missions are intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and mobile hospital. These missions are accomplished by using modular equipment mounted on the pusher. The performance of the missions is considered acceptable with no detrimental effects on the pusher.

• Corporate Authors:

  Hydronautics, Incorporated

  7210 Pindel School Road
  Laurel, MD  United States  20810
• Authors:
  • Tomassoni, C
  • Sharrah, L
  • Sauer, T
  • Lain, H
  • Slager, J
• Publication Date: 1974-3

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 183 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Barges; Cargo ships; Costs; Energy consumption; Feasibility analysis; Manning requirements; Naval architecture; Performance; Ship operations; Ships; Tug ship interaction; Tugboats; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis; Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Integrated tug barge systems; Power requirement; Ship performance
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Finance; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00177044
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center
• Report/Paper Numbers: 7224-6 Tech. Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: N00600-72-D-0307
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 14 1978 12:00AM