Design and Development of the 190-Ton Stable Semisubmerged Platform (SSP)

Abstract

The general characteristics, design features, predicted performance, and construction highlights of the 190-ton Stable Semisubmerged Platform (SSP) are presented. The SSP is the first large manned version of a high-speed displacement craft concept having a small waterplane area. The SSP was designed to be a work platform for research and testing of advanced naval equipment at the Naval Undersea Center. Its unique design will provide an order-of magnitude improvement in motion reduction over monohulls, as well as provide more deck space and internal volume. The SSP is 89 feet long and has a top operating speed of 25 knots with about 25 tons of payload and fuel. Design of the SSP features two parallel torpedo-like hulls which support an above-water cross structure by means of four vertical surface-piercing struts; two canard fins are located near the hull bows and a cross stabilizing fin is located near the hull sterns. The SSP was constructed at the Coast Guard Shipyard at Curtis Bay, Md.