This color U.S. Navy film from 1976 is about the design, construction, testing and use of a 190-ton ship called the SSP Kaimalino. This ship is the first of its kind which provides the lowest motion in large waves known of any ship type in the world. The SSP is considered a SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) ship, with research and design elements based on the patents of engineer Tom G. Lang. Lang led the model tests, and managed the SWATH design aspects of the 190-ton SSP Kaimalino shown in the film. The type of ship virtually eliminates seasickness. It’s major uses are for any kind of ship application that requires low motion in large waves. In March 1973, the Coast Guard Yard in Curtis Bay, Maryland, laid the experimental ship SSP Kaimalino. The project was developed by the Naval Undersea Center (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii). In just a few months, shipbuilders handed over the vessel to the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center. The main and most unusual feature of the SSP Kaimalino was its design, with the main body remaining above the water. Below the surface were two torpedo-shaped hull-pontoon with two stabilizers in the bow and a horizontal stabilizer bridge in the stern, as well as four vertical supports of a streamlined shape. Above the water was a rectangular case with a sloping nose and streamlined surfaces on the bottom. The Kaimalino had a total length of 26,76 m, a width of 14,2 m and a normal draft of 4,65 m.

Opening: The Naval Undersea Center presents 190-Ton Stable Semi-Submerged Platform SSP (1976 update) (:17-:36). The SSP (Stable Semi-Submerged Platform) sails on the high seas. It was designed as a range support craft. It provides less motion in waves, large deck areas, and increase speed in rough seas. An older ship is shown taking water in rough seas and the bow dips into the rocky waves. Scientists and engineers perform tests with models of the boat. 1968 began testing. May 1970 was the starting test date of the SSP (:37-1:39). The model is tested along with waves hitting it in a controlled pool. Wind, rough water is used to test the SSP model. Extreme wave conditions are tested. AFter tank testing, the model was put into San Diego Bay. More test footage in San Diego in a laboratory. Naval Undersea Center in Hawaii exteriors. Pearl Harbor naval personnel make drawings of the SSP (1:40-3:46). Construction of the SSP in a Coastguard Shipyard in 1972 began in Curtis Bay, Maryland. Workers piece the ship together. Diagram of the propeller. Interior of the control deck for the ship. The SSP is 89 feet long. Workers in 1973 launched the ship. Chesapeake Bay is where the ship is tested. The ship operates at 11 knots (3:47-5:30). The SSP operates at various speeds, including its desired speed of 25 knots. A model and the real ship both react the same to a wave. Canard controls are discussed and shown. A canard is an aeronautical arrangement wherein a forewing or foreplane is placed forward of the main wing of a fixed-wing aircraft. The SSP rolls side to side during a test using its canard controls (5:31-7:01). A spray rail test – a spray rail is a very thin and long appendage which is attached to the bottom of the hull. The function of a spray rail is to reduce wetted surface area by narrowing the beam and to deflect water away from the hull. The spray rails seen at work on the SSP as it is on the ocean. January 1975 in Hawaii, the SSP is to be used as a range support craft. Two diesel engines are installed. Mechanics look over the SSP. There is a smaller motion in large waves and this is why the SSP was created. The SSP sails quickly along the sea (7:02-8:41). Even in large waves at rest, the SSP is shown experiencing little motion. A tugboat is compared to the SSP, the SSP is much smoother in the water side by side. In December 1975, there were more tests and automatic control was added at this time. In April 1976, an acrylic dome was added. Dolphins swim near the SSP in the sea (8:42-10:30). Aerial shot of the SSP. Workers move around the SSP. Underwater shots of the ships hull. Aerial shot of the SSP racing along the sea. The USA flag on the deck of the SSP (10:31-11:34). End credits (11:35-11:43).

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