Proteus (WAM-V)

The "Proteus" is an experimental watercraft testbed for the Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel technology developed by Ugo Conti's Marine Advanced Research and is the first of its class. Because of its use of four legs connecting the superstructure to the outriggers, the ship has earned the nickname of "The Spider Ship" or "Spider Boat". [cite web
url=http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20060924131425ymnews.html
title=Spider Boat
publisher=Yachting Monthly
date=24 October 2006
accessdate=2007-01-20] The unusual design attracted public attention during early trials, before it even had a registration number. [cite news
url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/v-lite/story/6250687p-5456398c.html
title=Spider boat leaves strands of curiosity along coast
author=Peter Sleeth
publisher=Tacoma News-Tribune
accessdate=2007-01-20]

Construction

The "Proteus" is similar in design to a catamaran, in that it uses a twin hull design and no keel. Unlike most catamarans however, the superstructure is not rigidly attached to the hulls. The ship uses titanium shock absorbers to travel with the waves in the ocean, rather than through them. This method should theoretically allow the ship to move faster through the water while burning less fuel, however sea trials are yet to be completed . Hogging and sagging should also be reduced as well.

The "Proteus" is convert|100|ft|m long, while its beam is convert|50|ft|m allowing for relatively normal Initial stability coefficient of 2:1. Its draft fluctuates more than a traditional ship, but at half load it is convert|8|in|mm at the bow and convert|16|in|mm at the stern. Because of the ship's limited draft and inflatable hulls it is able to be beached without damage. The ship's bridge, cargo hold and berthing for four are located in the cabin that hangs down from the four legs. The cabin can be lowered into the water convert|20|ft|m below and can run under its own power. It has been designed this way to allow offshore anchoring of the seadrive section of the craft, while allowing the cabin to be moored in a marina.

The "Proteus" is constructed of titanium, aluminum and reinforced fabrics. The ship's displacement is 12 tons when carrying its maximum cargo of 2 tons. Its outriggers store the 2,000 gallons of fuel that power the two Cummins Marine Diesel Quantum Series QSB5.9 355 horsepower engines at their sterns. [ [http://wam-v.com/characteristics.htm Proteus prototype characteristics] ]

Press release

On September 7, 2007, Daniel Basta, director of the National Marine Sanctuaries for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, stated that Proteus is a Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (designed for military uses, biological studies, ocean exploration and sea rescue). It is a lightweight, low cost and modular craft, which can travel convert|5000|mi|km on convert|2000|impgal|L of diesel fuel. Proteus will be able to launch and recover automatic vehicles as well as engage in remote vehicle operations. Its first appearance in New York is the 4th leg of a tour that began in San Francisco in January and will end in Washington, D.C.. Ugo Conti (Italian engineer and oceanographer who designed Proteus) and his wife, Isabella Conti, are co-founders of Marine Advanced Research, Inc., a Silicon Valley-based firm that created the Proteus for $1.5 million. The Proteus has a maximum a speed of 30 knots (34.5 mph).

References

External links

* [http://www.wam-v.com/ Marine Advanced Research Website]
* [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/01/19/BAGE7NLI001.DTL&q=q San Francisco Gate article on the Proteus]
* [http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/16498751.htm San Jose Mercury News article]