Abstract: A cargo vessel hull bow configuration comprising a horizontal forwardly projecting bow wave making bottom plate disposed substantially coplanar with the bottom surface of the hull proper, of a transverse maximum width approximately one-third the hull width and carried in that position by central support means conducive to a flow pattern extending over the plate diverging both laterally to merge smoothly with laminar flow along the tapered bow sides and downwardly to merge smoothly with laminar flow along the hull bottom. Reduction in transverse width of said wave making plate aft of its fore-and-aft point of maximum width cooperates in the formation of such laminar flow pattern, and, in conjunction with a secondary bow wave formed by the hydrodynamic effect of the plate superimposed on the normal bow wave effect of the hull proper minimizes the resultant bow wave and greatly reduces resistance to forward movement of the composite hull.

Abstract: An elongated flat bottom, vertical side cargo unit vessel with a specially configured high-speed bow featuring a forwardly cantilevered horizontal bottom panel of full hull width, predetermined projecting length and vertical thickness controlling bow wave of the hull, with a multi-skeged upsloped stern bottom. A plurality of detachably connected power module vessels and a single control module vessel arranged abreast are detachably connected to each other and to the stern. Submerged to adjustable depths, torpedo-shaped drive units of the power module vessels support upright housings thereon projecting above water level and pass through flotation collars which provide flotation and stability for the power module vessels as independent craft when detached from the cargo unit vessel. An elevatable helm house with monitor and control apparatus on the control module vessel provides control for the power module vessels and cargo unit vessel from a suitable vantage point.