Two versions of the surface effect carrier are designed to carry V/STOL aircraft. Gas turbines power one versity, lightweight nuclear power propels the other. (The key technical features of these designs are a high cushion length-to-beam SES hull and semi-submerged, supercavitating propellors.) Both vehicles are able to make 50 knots for 6,000 nautical miles and cost less to procure per aircraft carrier than a CVN. In addition, these platforms can be converted into a dry well amphibious ship capable of delivering a MAU. (Author)
