R/V Calypso II

[Triton]

R/V Calypso II was an oceanographic research and documentary expedition support vessel that was unveiled by Jacques Yves Cousteau shortly before his death. To date, the ship has not been constructed by the Cousteau Soceity/Equipe Cousteau.


The Calypso II was aluminum-hulled, monohull forward and catamaran aft, with a diesel engine driving two Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP), also known as a cycloidal drive, and an 85-foot-tall auxiliary sail that Cousteau helped develop known as a Turbosail (TM).

She would have been equipped with film and scientific laboratories, and numerous airborne and submarine exploration devices (an observation chamber in the stem, a state-of-the-art dive locker, a helicopter, a maneuverable submarine, hydroplane, etc.). This 66-meter vessel would be spacious enough for 36 passengers, including her 15 crew members. There would be space for film teams, scientists, and special expedition guests. In addition, she would be equipped with a film editing room, a photographic darkroom, a satellite communication system and many other features.

Dimensions
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Length: 66.00 m
Beam : 16.20 m
Draught : 3.50 m

Cruising Speed: 14 nds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFhIsyFA9ak

 

[Triton]

The R/V Calypso II would have had a single Malavard-Charrier-Cousteau Turbosail (TM). The Turbosail consists of an airfoil, vertical and grossly ovoidal tube, with a mobile flap which improves the separation between the intrados and extrados. An aspiration system pulls air into the tubes, and is used to create an important depression on one side of the sail; propulsion occurs perpendicularly to the pressure. In this way, the "sails" act as wings, with air moving slower on one side, creating drag. Standard engines can then be used in conjunction with the turbosails. These in turn can be coordinated with computers to control the angles, suction power, and rotation of the sails. It was claimed that the Turbosail was four to five times more efficient than a conventional sail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA2kcgVmV3A