Highly efficient, safe and stable hull form design for next generation pilot boats.

The project will look to develop a new lightweight hull design for the pilot boat segment. A new adapted version of the "Air Support Vessel" ASV technology will be developed and it will be characterised by operational efficiency through a new modified hul l cavity and air support design. According to the project's objectives these vessels will set new economical standards and far exceed current environmental requirements reflected in drastic reduced fuel consumption and CO2/NOx emission. The project lo oks to deliver a pilot boat with a soft motion character hull form. It that will set new standards in terms of stability, manoeuvrability, safety during transit, disembarking and embarking of pilot, all during extreme weather conditions. To demonstrate a nd evaluate the pioneering design the project will construct a full scale operational prototype in carbon composite of about 15-20 meters. The boat will be outfitted for the purpose of testing the concept and design. It will be fully operational with air- assisted system, propulsion and other equipment's to measure fluid dynamics, resistance, sea capability and other parameters. It should be possible to convert and outfit the prototype into a fully operational boat post project period should the partners w ish to do so. Each of the partners will participate with own research and development efforts necessary to reach the objectives. These will include: - Design of air supported soft motion capabilities of underwater areas - Propulsion driveline and hull i ntegration - Bow shape design and transition towards main hull body - Air support system development - Carbon composite hull engineering development Concept design of the new generation pilot and ambulance boats - Operational requirements