Key Features
- Length Overall: 218 ft
- 4 MW Propulsion Plant
- Electric Control System
- Speeds up to 13 knots
- Range of 11,400 nautical miles
- 90-day endurance
Overview
The NAVSEA NOAA AGOR Variant vessel studies, adapting a TAI EnviroMax design of the Fugro Americas. Developed the design resulting in a 218 ft, all-steel mono-hull design for scientific, oceanographic, and hydrographic research. The delivered design includes a diesel-electric, 4 MW propulsion plant (Z-drive, with Azimuthing bow thruster) and electric control system. The 2,400 LT displacement vessel offers speeds up to 13 kts, a range of 11,400 nm, and 90-day endurance with the crew. TAI performed design studies and analyses for design integration and development of the NAVSEA NOAA AGOR Variant based on a proven parent hull. The project goal was to identify design solutions that minimize cost, schedule, production, and technology risk. Scope included four (4) design spirals, scale model testing, tradeoff analysis, producibility studies for a contract-level design package. Design: The design was developed from TAI’s proven EnviroMax hull form in accordance with NAVSEA System Specification for design and construction of the NOAA AUXILIARY GENERAL OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH VESSEL VARIANT (NAV). The 2019 ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) In Length have been used for the development of Preliminary/Contract design for NOAA NAV. Diesel electric configuration and maintained commonality of installed equipment. Design Integration with other subcontractors like Dive Air Consultant, DWSC, Siemens and Kongsberg. Requirements Verification and traceability was accomplished using TAI in-house developed software tools. Improved seakeeping performance using the streamlined design of passive roll dampening systems like bilge keels.
Trade-off Studies: Trade off studies were performed for reduced power and improved bubble sweep down capability without compromising the pay load capability of the TAI proven designs. No bulbous bow configuration has been developed objectively for improved sonar performance. Additionally, trade off studies were performed to reduce life cycle costs and several advanced propulsion configurations to optimize the power plant of this hybrid vessel.