Maritime Applied Physics News

London-based architect Jonathan Schwinge designed the pyramid-shaped yacht called the Tetrahedron Super Yacht. Billed as aviation on the sea, the radical concept from a London-based architect flips traditional yacht design on its head with a complete rethink. The futuristic vessel, called Tetrahedron Super Yacht, ‘levitates’ thanks to a vertical strut attached to a submerged torpedo-shaped hull, but it retains all of the luxuries one would expect on a multimillion-pound ship. According to the official website of architect Jonathan Schwinge, the pyramid-shaped vessel would consist of four faces and six leading edges, all designed around a single vertical strut on a submerged torpedo hull. One of the main goals for the design is stability.

In a dangerous world, even the largest ship in the world depends on the smallest maritime security and special mission platform. And when it comes to small boat security operations, innovation is the name of the game. With 90% of world trade transported by sea then passing through ports and waterways, no amount of technology will replace the requirement for multiple small fast craft and skilled operators. Finding new ways to share knowledge and best practice has never been more important in the maritime world.

The U.S. Navy today awarded a contract to a Bath Iron Works-led team for the construction of Coronado (LCS 4), the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to feature an innovative, high-speed trimaran hull. The 419 ft surface combatant ship, equipped with open architecture-based combat systems and computing environment developed by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, will be manufactured by Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. It is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in May 2012. Bath Iron Works is a subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE:GD). The Littoral Combat Ship is a key element of the Navy's plan to address asymmetric threats of the 21st century.

The long-awaited awarding of the contract to construct the new series of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), a series that could total 60 ships worth $14 billion over 15 years, will have to wait just a little longer. However, the U.S. Navy in late May did pare the competition to two, with teams headed by General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works and Lockheed Martin Corporation - Maritime Systems & Sensors tapped to continue construction plans. LCS has generated fierce competition among the few remaining, large corporate entities that dominate the military markets today. While General Dynamics ($78,798,188) and Lockheed Martin Corporation — Maritime Systems & Sensors ($46…

Maritime Applied Physics Corporation has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract for a concept design study of a 2,200-ton prototype minesweeper. The contract is under sponsorship of Naval Sea Systems Command's Small Business Innovation Research Program. The craft will incorporate the company's proprietary Hydrofoil Small Waterplane Area Ship (HYSWAS) technology that has been developed jointly with the Naval Surface Warfare Center. As designed, it will be capable of sustained high-speed, trans-oceanic self deployment. Payloads will include a wide array of newly emerging autonomous and semi-autonomous mission systems that can be rapidly deployed from the vessel while on station.

Maryland’s far Eastern Shore may soon be a quick trip from Baltimore, thanks to a ferry being developed by Maritime Applied Physics Corporation and A. James Clark School of Engineering researchers through the Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program. The plane-like boat, which could be in service year-round as early as summer 2007, will fly passengers 18 miles over the water from Rock Hall to Baltimore or back for potential shopping trips, coastal touring, evening dinners, Orioles games, cultural events, and commuting to work. “Since the steamship days the Eastern Shore has held a certain allure for Baltimoreans,” said P.A.M. Schaller, Director of Economic Development for Kent County. “Rock Hall has the flavor of a waterman’s town. Nearby Chestertown has loads of 18th century architecture.

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works a $9 million contract to develop a preliminary design for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). With a focus on affordability, LCS will provide the Navy with the capability to defeat terrorist swarm boats, mines, and diesel submarines prevalent in coastal waters around the world. Bath Iron Works leads an international team that includes General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, General Dynamics Canada, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Austal USA, BAE Systems, CAE of Canada, Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, and Qinetiq of the United Kingdom. The team will further develop its trimaran concept based upon Austal's innovative, high-speed commercial ship design.

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works a $9 million contract to develop a preliminary design for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). With a focus on affordability, LCS will provide the “New” Navy with the capability to defeat terrorist swarm boats, mines, and diesel submarines that are commonplace in coastal waters around the world. Bath Iron Works leads an international team that includes General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, General Dynamics Canada, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Austal USA, BAE Systems, CAE of Canada, Maritime Applied Physics Corporation, and Qinetiq of the United Kingdom. The team will work to develop further its trimaran concept based upon Austal's innovative, high-speed commercial ship design.

Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, has received a contract from the U.S. Navy to explore advanced concepts for a Focused Mission High-Speed Ship. FMHSS is an integrated surface combatant capability envisioned to operate in littoral (coastal) areas against terrorist threats, high-speed swarm boats, mines and diesel submarines. It may also be called upon to carry logistics supplies or personnel and equipment for Special Operations Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps. It will incorporate state-of-the-art materials, modular mission packages, and a reconfigurable platform design to provide the Navy with a highly flexible concept for future littoral operations.

The Navy has awarded General Dynamics - Bath Iron Works today a $223,262,430 option exercise contract modification for detailed design and construction of the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). "This contract award is a testament to the strong resolve of both the Navy and industry to get these highly capable ships into the water as quickly as possible," said RADM Charlie Hamilton, the Program Executive Officer for Ships. "LCS will introduce unprecedented speed, agility and flexibility into the littoral battlespace. The General Dynamics' team will begin construction in October and ship delivery is scheduled for 2007. The Navy plans to build four Flight 0 LCS. The Navy has an option to build another from General Dynamics.