Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
http://www.ssusc.org/
This is the famous ship that didn't sink.
The SS United States emerged in the wake of World War II as a combination ocean liner and convertible troop ship. Because of this dual role, she was built to rigid U.S. Navy standards by the legendary Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Since the ship was built with an all-aluminum superstructure from the largest single order of aluminum yet placed, the vessel's weight was kept to a minimum compared to similarly-sized vessels such as Cunard's Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth, each having displacements of greater than 77,000 long tons. By comparison, her aluminum superstructure reduced the SS United States' dead weight to a significantly lower 45,400 long tons, which combined with a maximum 247,785 horsepower rating (approximately 60,000 shaft horsepower greater than either of the Queens) gave the vessel a tremendous horsepower to weight ratio compared to its rivals.
The genius of naval architects Gibbs & Cox's design included dual engine rooms built as a precaution against the ship being rendered powerless during an attack. The vessel could travel in reverse at over 20 knots and it was later revealed that the ship's top speed during sea trials was in excess of 43 knots-an extraordinary achievement for its size. An efficient hull design, incorporating a knife-like stem, tiny bulbous bow and rounded cruiser and transom stern combination, coupled with a revolutionary propeller configuration, contributed to the liner's incredible speed. Capable of carrying 14,000 troops over 10,000 nautical miles without refueling, the liner's accommodations were thought to be somewhat austere. All furnishings and fittings were custom-designed from glass, aluminum and other non-flammable lightweight materials and built to ensure adherence to rigid Navy fire standards. Consequently it was a well-known publicity fact that the only wood aboard appeared in the ship's pianos and butcher blocks.
</snip>
This is the famous ship that didn't sink.
The SS United States emerged in the wake of World War II as a combination ocean liner and convertible troop ship. Because of this dual role, she was built to rigid U.S. Navy standards by the legendary Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Since the ship was built with an all-aluminum superstructure from the largest single order of aluminum yet placed, the vessel's weight was kept to a minimum compared to similarly-sized vessels such as Cunard's Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth, each having displacements of greater than 77,000 long tons. By comparison, her aluminum superstructure reduced the SS United States' dead weight to a significantly lower 45,400 long tons, which combined with a maximum 247,785 horsepower rating (approximately 60,000 shaft horsepower greater than either of the Queens) gave the vessel a tremendous horsepower to weight ratio compared to its rivals.
The genius of naval architects Gibbs & Cox's design included dual engine rooms built as a precaution against the ship being rendered powerless during an attack. The vessel could travel in reverse at over 20 knots and it was later revealed that the ship's top speed during sea trials was in excess of 43 knots-an extraordinary achievement for its size. An efficient hull design, incorporating a knife-like stem, tiny bulbous bow and rounded cruiser and transom stern combination, coupled with a revolutionary propeller configuration, contributed to the liner's incredible speed. Capable of carrying 14,000 troops over 10,000 nautical miles without refueling, the liner's accommodations were thought to be somewhat austere. All furnishings and fittings were custom-designed from glass, aluminum and other non-flammable lightweight materials and built to ensure adherence to rigid Navy fire standards. Consequently it was a well-known publicity fact that the only wood aboard appeared in the ship's pianos and butcher blocks.
</snip>
Edit history
Please sign in to view edit histories.
28 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
