Drivel about the 102M design...and Superconducting engines

This is in response to a GizMag post elsewhere on the new 102M design. An answer to the problem posed there on the design still being fuel inefficient is superconducting engines:

http://www.amsc.com/products/motorsgenerators/documents/HTSMotorsforHighSpeedShipsASNE.pdf

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/energy/renewables/winner-superconductors-on-the-high-seas

http://ammtiac.alionscience.com/pdf/WQV9N1_ART04.pdf

Is this the world’s best ship design? The Austal 102 trimaran
August 6, 2009

Shipbuilder Austal first came to Gizmag’s attention in 2005 with the launch of the world’s largest aluminum vessel, the 127 meter Benchijigua Express. The company then started building Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for the US Navy, based on the same trimaran design. And, now, Austal is launching an even more refined version that improves sea-keeping, passenger comfort and fuel efficiency. This week, Tony Armstrong, Austal’s head of R&D, spoke exclusively to Gizmag about potentially building 20% of the US Navy fleet...Read More