SES PROPULSION - A CHOICE BETWEEN WATER-JET AND PARTIALLY SUBMERGED PROPELLERS

During the last year an extensive test program has been carried out at SSPA Maritime Consulting AB on behalf of the Swedish Defence Material Administration for their new SES (Surface Effect Ship). Both resistance and self propulsion tests have been carried out in the towing tank at SSPA. The self propulsion tests have been performed with two different types of propulsor; water-jet and partially submerged propellers. Regarding the tests with the partially submerged propellers these have to be considered as a first approach. Tests have been carried out in both calm water and waves. Also direct radiated noise has been measured during the self propulsion tests. A comparison of the results from the different tests are presented in the present paper together with general remarks regarding advantages and disadvantages using the two different systems to propel an SES.