Re: APDs, LSD's and LPAs

On Thu, 23 Sep 1999, Tom Anderson wrote:

> i don't know how seaworthy they are - could they operate in foul
> deep-ocean weather? if so, i can see navies picking up on catamarans
> before too long.

The USN has several for sonar research. Had em before the aussies did 
too. Just not operational vessels. They are for trials and research.
(First 
operational craft Sea Shadow was just a test bed)

www.uss-salem.org/worldnav/usa/aux_flt.htm

T-AGOS 19-22 Victorious class ocean surveillance Ships
AGOS-23 Impeccable 

My understanding is that since the hull is mostly below the WL it tends 
to get less wave action than a conventional hull. They are odd as far as

space. You get less hull volume but more square footage up top. The
first 
one the navy had, was great as far as helo pad space. There is also lots

of space for lowering gear into the water. Just open a hatch in the deck

between the hulls.

There were to be more of the Impeccable class, but there were problems 
with the hull build so it looks like the follow ons are going to be
axed. 

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