DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND OUTFITTING 



85 



Condition n 



Condition in 



Condition IV 



Condition V 

 Stability at each Condition: 



BG at Condition m included the effect of the lowering whip as buoyant force. Conditions IV and 

 V are on the bottom and bottom reaction would increase stability. Curves of forms, though 

 academic, were prepared. 



CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



It becomes very apparent in retrospect that a remarkable experiment, Sealab n, was suc- 

 cessfully conducted in spite of several salient facts. Severe time and schedule limitations 

 coupled with a very close budget precluded orderly progression and thorough investigation of 

 many important engineering areas germane to underwater habitat design. Nonetheless, though 

 lacking perfection of design in several areas, Sealab II functioned well as a habitat for three 

 10-man teams for 45 days at 205 ft. It supported life safely and relatively comfortably. 



Experience gained in the progress of the design, construction, and outfitting of Sealab H 

 as well as in its operation and overall project organization, will aid immeasurably in further 

 man-in-the-sea operations. This has been just a whistle stop on our excursion down the con- 

 tinental shelves. 



For the record, several conclusions can be drawn and recommendations made from the 

 vantage point of the author. These reflect his opinions and analysis and may or may not be 

 included in the official summary report of the project. 



1. A Naval Shipyard can be expected to respond to and undertake a project of this nature 

 and deliver hardware on time and at a competitive cost. The Navy does have an in-house capa- 

 bility for underwater habitat design and construction. 



2. A significant contribution to the technology of metal forming was made in the develop- 

 ment and perfection of the technique of underwater explosive forming of large steel sections. 



