THE RECONFIGURABLE HULL FORM CONCEPT FOR HIGH SPEED OPERATIONS

摘要

Many vessels are required to travel at two distinct speed ranges, high speed sprint and low speed cruise, or loiter speed. However, it is difficult for the naval architect to design a hull which is capable of high speeds, but which is also efficient at low speeds. Hence, the resulting hull form will be a compromise for both speed ranges. This paper describes a concept which couples a wide transom and water jet propulsion for speeds as high as 45 knots, with a conventional stern and propeller propulsion for low speed operation. A specially designed hull form was developed which was tested in both configurations, and the results are presented. The consequential improvement in efficiency, and reduction in fuel costs, over a conventional vessel are shown. In addition, some of the practical aspects of this concept are discussed, and solutions presented.