THE SURFACE EFFECT SHIP IN THE AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINE. PART 2 - TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY - FINAL REPORT

The role of the nuclear powered surface effect ship in the American Merchant Marine is reviewed against its capability to provide unlimited range and high-speed services that could help in regaining the traffic lost to other forms of transportation. The most important single item analyzed in this study is the nuclear power plant and the ancillary hardware. The study finds that nuclear power plants suitable for surface effect ships are not immediately available, but that technology exists as a result of the aircraft nuclear power programs which can be applied to the development of plants having a specific weight of 20 pounds per shaft horsepower or less. One of these reactors, a gas-cooled reactor, is presently being considered for marine use in conjunction with a steam cycle power plant, and could also be used with gas cycle components. Another type of reactor, the sodium cooled reactor, is also suitable for use with gas cycle components, but information was not available during the study to permit appraisal of its relative merits. (Author) (See also PB-181676)

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Final Rept, part 2 on the Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of a Nuclear Powered Surface Effect Ship.
• Corporate Authors:

  Booz-Allen Applied Research, Incorporated

  Florham Park, NJ  United States 
• Publication Date: 1964-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 124 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Nuclear power plants; Surface effect ships
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00027687
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rept
• Contract Numbers: MA-3232
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 9 1973 12:00AM