Abstract: A thrust block is positioned by a steerable support in spaced relation to e hull of a seagoing vessel for angular displacement about a propeller axis and the axis of said hull intersecting the propeller axis. Forward and aft sets of propellers are rotatably mounted by hubs in the thrust block for contrarotation by propulsion motors having rotors respectively fixed to the radially outer tips of forward and aft propeller blades and electrically energized by current conducted thereto through stator and rotor windings of transformers respectively mounted in the thrust block and the propeller hubs to avoid propulsive torque transmission by the thrust block. The rotors of the propulsion motors are protectively enclosed by a radially outer shroud assembly which accommodates hydrodynamic cooling during motor operation.

Abstract: Engine driven turbines respectively drive separate propulsion and service ternators to supply power to propulsion motors and service equipment on naval combat ships through propulsion and service controls. Rechargeable batteries are connected through the service controls to the service alternators and to service loads through dc bus lines. The propulsion controls interconnect the propulsion motors with the propulsion alternators to which the electrically operated weapons are also connected through rectifiers and a pulse forming network.

Abstract: A compact bicoupled contrarotating epicyclic gear is provided. The gear iudes a rotatable input shaft for providing an input-torque, a first-stage epicyclic gear, a second-stage epicyclic gear mutually drivably coupled to and in axial alignment with the first epicyclic gear, an outer-output shaft for conveying an outer-output-torque in response to the input-torque, and an inner-output shaft coaxial with the outer-output shaft for conveying an inner-output-torque in response to the input-torque. The bicoupled contrarotating epicyclic gear further includes at least one interstage torque carrier rotatably connecting the first and second epicyclic gears in series such that the first and second sun gears, the first and second planet carriers, and the first and second ring gears rotate and convey useful torque in response to the input-torque.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved vessel configuration for high speed ships such as Naval Destroyers. The vessel has a long, slender tumble home (inward-sloped topsides) watertight hull and a deckhouse structurally integral with the watertight hull. All main machinery is modular and outside the watertight hull, freeing midship areas for personnel. Two removable, prealigned and pretested, steerable propulsor modules are attached to the stern after construction and are replaceable pierside. Each propulsor module includes a steerable pod aligned to the water inflow, a steering cylinder, and a streamlined strut connecting the pod to the steering cylinder. Two removable, power modules are mounted above the weather deck in a deckhouse. Each power module includes an intercooled, recuperated gas turbine, a ship-service alternator, and a propulsion alternator.