The United States Navy in the Cold War Era: What ifs.

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During the late 1970s, the Navy planned to construct a class of Surface Effect Ship (SES) frigates in the mid-1980s. These ships were to be based on a 3,000-ton SES prototype that was to be constructed in 1980-1984. This ship was to have been capable of speeds as high as 80 to 100 knots with a trans-ocean design and to have carried frigate-type weapons, including two LAMPS helicopters.

The Secretary of Defense decided in May 1976 to proceed with the design and construction of a 3,000-ton, “weaponized” prototype SES. This followed 10 years of extensive conceptual and technical development. A contract for design with an option to construct was awarded in December 1976 to Rohr Marine, Inc. of San Diego. The ship was to be completed during FY 1983. Subsequently, the Carter Administration cancelled the SES program in its entirety.

In addition to high speed, the SES program offered a large amount of usable space which would have provided flexibility in the installation of weapons and sensors, with ample space to hangar and operate two helicopters. Also, the design provided considerable stability in heavy seas.

Displacement: 3,000 tons full load Length: 270ft (82.3m) oa Beam: 108ft (32.9m) Draft: 14ft (4.3m) on cushion; 31ft (9.5m) off cushion Propulsion: (4) Pratt & Whitney FT9 gas turbines; (4) waterjet propulsion units; (2) General Electric LM2500 gas turbines; (6) lift fans Speed: 80+kts on cushion Crew: 125 Helicopters: 2 SH-2 Sea Sprite LAMPS III Weapons: “FF/FFG weapons suite”