AGOR 27Clear deck space is vital to the mission of any research vessel. The R/V Neil Armstrong has ample space for storing and deploying oceanographic equipment.Courtesy of Guido Perla and Associates, Seattle, WashingtonPhoto courtesy of Gary McGrath, WHOI? cations included being fully operational in Sea State 4 and is also supplying the majority of the electrical switchgear, the able to handle dynamic positioning relative to a ? xed position ACCU automation, and condition-based monitoring system.in Sea State 5 with a 35-knot wind and 2-knot current. The vessel uses four vibration-isolated Cummins QSK38-Additionally, the ship had to be as operationally quiet as pos- DM main generators providing a maximum of 3952 kW in-sible. A great deal of ocean research involves listening. Exces- tegrated electric power for all functions of the ship, includ-sive ship noise would negate that effort. GPA’s unique hull de- ing propulsion. The integrated diesel-electric plant allows for sign meets the Bubble Sweepdown performance requirement multiple generator con? gurations, ensuring the diesel engines of the original speci? cations by diverting bubbles away from operate at peak ef? ciency at all times.the sensitive sonar area. Model tank tests performed in Poland A unique feature of the electric propulsion will be a “com-con? rmed the Phase 1 design efforts met the Navy’s exacting binator” style control function integrating management of standards. Completing the noise dampening goal, designers motor speed and propeller pitch on the Hundested-supplied chose systems, de? ned equipment locations and designed spe- Controllable Pitch Propellers. cial installation methods with acoustics as a priority. Although fairly common in controllable pitch systems with direct drive diesels, use of the combinator control is unusual Equipment in variable-speed electric drive systems. The combinator in-DCI has teamed with a multitude of local, national and in- creases operational ? exibility by allowing the operator to set ternational vendors to out? t the ship with the best equipment the propeller at its most ef? cient setting across a range of op-available, meeting the various needs and requirements of the erations including heavy towing and cruising.scientists for a quiet, ef? cient, fully integrated and highly re- Design speci? cations were stringent for deck cranes and silient blue-water platform from which they can perform their winches. They needed the capacity to load equipment weigh-experiments and studies. ing more than 20,000 pounds including the deployment of Over the next two months, Siemens will be installing their ROVs, buoys and other heavy equipment. The stern frame re-new Blue system. This advanced, multi-drive, low-voltage quired a minimum of 12-foot inboard and outboard reach. As system manages the speed of various AC propulsion motors designed, the frame provides 15 feet of clearance above the controlling the propellers, stern thruster and bow thruster. The deck and 27 feet of clear space between the block attachment system provides enhanced reliability with multiple failsafe points, all while maintaining a Dynamic Safe Working Load features, lower maintenance costs, increased ef? ciency, and of 30,000 pounds through the full range of motion. Allied Ma-increased operational ease for the crew. Reduced fuel con- rine supplied the stern frame along with the portable TK4-30 sumption results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Siemens portable crane and the TK 70-70 aft-deck Main Crane. They May 201442 MTRMTR #4 (34-49).indd 42 MTR #4 (34-49).indd 42 5/12/2014 4:19:12 PM5/12/2014 4:19:12 PM