THE SEMI-SUBMERGED AIR CUSHION VEHICLE (SSACV)

The essential characterisitcs of the Semi-Submerged Air Cushion Vehicle (SSACV) concept are first explained. This concept relies on the optimal division of the total sustention of a marine vehicle above the water surface into the aerostatic lift of the air cushion and the hydrostatic buoyancy of the submerged hulls, thus hopefully combining the high speed capability of the air cushion vehicle with the inherent stability and course keeping ability of the semi-submerged ship. The SSACV Straddle Cargo Transporter is a particular application of the SSACV concept enabling the rapid transport of marine cargo and other stores and equipment in inshore waters. It involves the direct picking up of floating loads (of loads carried by low floating vehicles), their rapid transport in the underslung position and setting down without the use of cranes, helicopters or other expensive equipment. This type of vehicle can provide a fast feeder service for LASH barges and act as an efficient supply vessel for the offshore oil industry. The SSACV Oil Skimmer has the speed capability to hasten from base to the scene of an oil spill much faster than conventional displacement vessels. It is specially equipped for the skimming of the oil by adopting two distinct procedures, both making use of the air cushion system, which is an integral part of the vessel. Some details are given of the proposal of the CANAL SSACV submitted to the authorities in Venice in 1975 for the improvement of passenger transport operations in the lagoon of Venice without further detriment to the ecology. Brief details are also given of the new concept of the SSACV Ice-Breaking LNG/Oil Tanker.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of Second International Waterborne Conference, October 5-7, 1977, New York City. Available April, 1978. approximately 750 pages. Cost: to ASCE members $15.00; Non-members $30.00.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Authors:
  • Murthy, K S
• Publication Date: 1977

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air cushion vehicles; Feeder services; Freight transportation; Icebreakers; LASH barges; Marine transit; Offshore supply boats; Oil spill cleanup; Passenger transportation; Rapid transit; Semisubmersibles; Tankers
• Old TRIS Terms: Cargo transportation; Oil skimmers
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Passenger Transportation; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00170798
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 14 1978 12:00AM