Near the Interstate highway in Portsmouth NH is the museum dedicated to the USS Albacore. The Albacore was a research submarine used to explore hull shapes that were optimized for underwater speed. In its day this was a revolution in underwater hydrodynamics. The development of hull shapes realized by the Albacore combined with the nuclear powerplant realized on the Nautilus led to the development of the submarines as we know them today.
There is quite the story to the creation and politics that led to this experimental vessel found on the subs website:
http://www.ussalbacore.org/
Its usefulness as a development article came to an end when the last of the engine replacement parts were no longer available. It is nice to see it preserved and open for tours.
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| One of several propeller combinations explored |
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| Many of the propellers used on various trials |
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| Notice the rudder at the aft end of the sail |
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