Calling all Skipjack-class (SSN-585) fans!

[CC Clarke]

Moving along to the next 3D printed hulls on my list, I figured I could kill two builds with 1.5 stones, using the bow and stern of the Skipjack to speed up designing the George Washington class (my first boat.)

I'm designing the Skipjack in two versions - the As-built , with a five-bladed screw, and the 70's version which included the BQR-15 / STASS towed array.
The lower hull is finished along with the topside detailing. All that remains is the sail and masts and antennas.

[Tom Dougherty]

Very nice CAD work! It will be interesting to see the printed models.

Quick question: I see that the towed array tube has a single support strut? The Permit and Sturgeon modifications had tubes with two support struts.

[CC Clarke]

I agree on the strut question Tom, since I have references for other classes that show them, but none for the 585's. I'm going to include it, but am loathe to add anything without a photo to back it up. I'll be printing the prototype tonight (15 hours) along with two other hull sections. I/144 scale is nice to work with because I can fit multiple hull sections on the printer's build plate. My current printer can print 7.5" high. My new one will print double that height, so I'll be able to print two complete hulls at once.

I did notice something I haven't seen in any of the drawings or pro-built models, but is clearly shown in photos: The stern planes have an extra "notch" in them on the inboard side.

[FFG-7]

part of the hinge assembly?

[CC Clarke]

I posed a question to an old co-worker in CT regarding the TA Stowage Tube supports. He was onboard Shark before going to SSN-21 and should know the answer.

Meanwhile, here's the revision.

The close-up on the stern plane(s) cutout is at the inboard axle entrance. There's an access plate on the port side for entry into the free-flood area for maintenance above it.

Printing three of the four proto hull sections is in progress. Photos tomorrow if they look decent.

[CC Clarke]

The first proto hull is printed, and some changes made. Among other improvements, the towed array supports needed to be slightly larger with a wider end where they attach to the hull. (Note the small sag on the outboard supports.) Proto 2 is just about ready for printing once I wrap up the MSW (Main Seawater) and ASW (Aux Seawater) valves along with signal ejectors, and additional deck hatch detail topside.

In 1/144 scale, these aren't as noticeable, but when scaled up to 1/72, they really stand out. At this scale, it's approximately 21" in length

More to follow. . .

CC