Attractive Alternatives of "X" Craft

Abstract

USNS “X-Craft” built as a catamaran with decreased water-plane area shows some practical advantages as multi-hull combatants. It comprises of a large deck area per tonne of displacement, wide (and free from superstructure) upper deck, high performance in terms of high-speed and enhanced seaworthiness. In this paper two alternatives have been proposed based on the concept of vessels with small water-plane area, which would allow for similar payload, useful deck area but sufficiently better seaworthiness at higher speeds. Resistance and seakeeping characteristics based on test results of the conceptual hull shapes have been illustrated. The new hull shapes of small water-plane area (SWA) ship with additional hydrodynamic lift from foils would ensure higher achievable speeds and better seaworthiness at corresponding displacement.