Transoceanic surface effect ships

The advent of new machines using an unexpoited natural phenomenon and offfering man unique transportstioa opportunities imposes new technical problems along with exciting possibilities. In particular, the idea of large-scale ships moving over water at speeds upwards of 100 knots presents special problems requiring special solutions. The surface effect ship (SES) is a fast ocean-going ship employing a self-generated cushion of air for lift support, reduction of resistance, and reduction of rough water loads and motions; such ships are envisioned as capable of approximately 85 knots in sea state 4 and possessing transoceanic range with an economical payload and survivability in the open sea. The minimum size for full satisfaction of these criteria is expected to be about 4000 tons full load displacement. The Navy and Commerce Departments are jointly sponsoring a cooperative research program which is to establish the feasibility of designing and building large high-speed surface effect ships. This paper describes the salient features of such craft, sets forth the regions demanding greatest engineering development, discusses briefly the commercial and military future of SES, and explores the problems associated with multithousand-ton ships moving at 100 knots in opea sea conditions.