TEST AND EVALUATION OF THE BELL-HALTER 110-FOOT SURFACE EFFECT SHIP DEMONSTRATION CRAFT

Comparative seaworthiness and towing tests were performed with an 82-foot USCG WPB. Other major test categories yielded speed, range, fuel consumption, directional stability, turning, acceleration, and noise characteristics. Limited maintainability and reliability information was compiled and manning and human factors considerations were studied. The SES craft was operated in sea state 2 at speeds of 29 knots with significant vertical acceleration peaks in the passenger compartment of 0.6 g and in sea state 4 at 26 knots with peaks of 0.5 g. Maximum vertical acceleration peaks under these conditions were 0.9 and 1.5 g's, respectively. The SES craft towed the 82-foot USCG WPB at speeds to 11 knots. The maximum measured calm water speed of the SES was 33 knots at a displacement of 121 long tons and a fuel consumption of 6.9 gallons per nautical mile yielding a top speed maximum range of 672 nautical miles. Turing performance and directional control were maintained during simulated combinations of propulsion and lift engine impairment.

• Corporate Authors:

  Naval Sea Systems Command Detachment

  Norfolk, VA  United States 

  United States Coast Guard

  2100 Second Street, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20593
• Authors:
  • Spangler, P K
• Publication Date: 1981-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 209 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Air cushion vehicles; Ambient noise; Deceleration; Fuel consumption; Human factors engineering; Labor market; Maneuverability; Noise; Peak periods; Seaworthiness; Ships; Surface effect ships; Tests; Towing devices; Values in measurement
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experimental data; Ship noise; Shipboard
• Old TRIS Terms: Marine surface propulsion; Peak values; Sea states; Test and evaluation; Towed bodies
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00337948
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: USCG-D-13-81
• Contract Numbers: MIPR-Z-70099-0-01928
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Aug 15 2003 12:00AM