DEVELOPMENT OF THE USN SURFACE EFFECT SHIP, SES‐100B

ABSTRACT As a major step toward achieving a 100‐knot capability at sea for the U.S. Navy and an integral part of an overall SES Program, the Surface Effect Ship, SES‐100B, was conceived, built and tested to demonstrate feasibility of the air cushion ship concept specifically with propeller propulsion, and to provide the essential design information for larger ships. This paper summarizes how the program objectives of high speed, efficient performance and good seakeeping characteristics resulted in the SES‐100B Surface Effect Ship. High lift‐drag ratio, low structural weight, efficient lift and propulsion, coupled with good seakeeping and handling qualities, have necessitated unique approaches to ship design to meet these objectives. How these requirements have been translated into hardware and the final verification in terms of full‐scale SES‐100B trials data are presented and summarized for future development of the Surface Effect Ship.