Open Ocean Demonstration of Vertical Float Sea-Stabilization Concept. Phase II Tests

摘要

To take advantage of its superior speed, range, and load carrying ability, a seaplane must be designed to better utilize the ocean surface. The purpose of the work to date has been to investigate the solution of this problem - that is, the attainment of a stable platform at sea. Vertical floats support the weight of the entire vehicle and, through use of damping structures and reduced waterplane areas, minimize pitching, rolling, and heaving motions due to waves. This concept makes possible, for the first time, a method of stabilizing seaplanes at sea and allowing sustained station keeping. The effectiveness of the vertical float concept was demonstrated under Sea State 4 conditions.