Re: Dogamarans

Ryan M Gill wrote:

> The USN has several for sonar research. Had em before the aussies did
> too. Just not operational vessels. They are for trials and research. 

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

These aren't exactly "Fast Cats" at 16 knots. If you want to include
such ships, have a look at HMAS Rushcutter.

http://www.navy.gov.au/3_photo/rush001.jpg

Which predates the USN SWATH hulls by a few years (1989).

> 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.

Which makes catamarans ideal for Sonar work, minehunting etc. But rather
than the conventional Cat or SWATH, the wave-piercing Cat is rather a
different beastie, designed for fast speed and stability in rough
conditions. The large top area - and hence available volume for
low-weight high-bulk cargo (people) makes them perfect for ferries.

And fast attack transports... which is what this thread was about. 

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