HIGH PERFORMANCE SHIPS - PROMISES AND PROBLEMS 
Owen H. Oakle 
Bureau of Ships, U.S. Navy 
The U.S. Navy’s interests in ships of maximum performance as regards 
speed, motions, and quietness are discussed from the point of view of 
design and application. A number of exploratory studies, and the de- 
signs of developmental craft, are reviewed in this light. The promise of 
each is considered in regard to the compromises required and the prob- 
lems encountered in the course of development. It is concluded that, 
while no dramatic “breakthroughs” are foreseen, the accelerated pace of 
research in ship hydrodynamics will produce significant changes in the 
shape and performance capabilities of naval craft in the next few years. 
INTRODUCTION 
The United States Navy is currently engaged in the study of a variety of design con- 
cepts, some of which differ sharply from the conventional shape of ships. It is my purpose 
to describe and discuss the pattern and direction of these efforts, less from the standpoint 
of hydrodynamics than from the overall viewpoint of naval ship design. 
If this viewpoint appears sometimes to emphasize the problems rather than the promises, 
it is because it is the daily experience of design that the problems are often obscured by the 
rosy glow of the promises. 
Many of our present-day naval and merchant ships are a result of a slow process of evo- 
lution. New designs have been based on previous successful ships; small modifications 
were made to accomodate new needs. However, in recent years, it has become evident that 
a new, fresh look was desirable. Modern technology presents greater capabilities in power 
plants and electronic equipment. Basic research has given a better understanding of ship 
environment and ship behavior in that environment. The question is being raised more and 
more as to whether we need adhere to many of the compromises that have traditionally made 
up standard design procedure. The need for high performance in ships is pressing and the 
time is right for reappraisal of basic concepts. 
Exploratory studies of the type under discussion may follow one of three paths. One 
approach is to select a single facet of ship behavior and try to optimize it. Necessary com- 
promises are then made with an eye toward retaining as much of the original gains as possi- 
ble. Another method is to examine closely and carefully new and hitherto neglected scientific 
achievements which may only lack development to bring them to the point of usefulness. The 
third method is to take an overall look at various ship missions, pinpoint the major problems, 
