A stealth ship is a vessel that uses stealth technologies to make it harder to detect. The aim is to hide the ship's presence from radar, sonar, visual, and infrared methods of detection. Examples of such vessels include the MV Ocean Trader and Cragside as well as Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports.
MV Ocean Trader
The MV Ocean Trader is a US Navy stealth ship. The ship can carry 209 warfighters, and has enough supplies to last for 45 days. It can also replenish up to four small boats and refuel at the sea. The aircraft also has a flight deck that can be used for helicopter operations, storage space for Zodiacs and RHIB launch capabilities, as well as command and control. It offers food service and other amenities.
Rich took the idea to Washington, DC where a Navy captain was responsible for submarine research and development. Rich persuaded him to accept the benefits of invisibility over his fears that the ship might be too costly. After that, the ship was dry-docked before it could launch. The technology was used to create a new class destroyer with radar and lower-periscope cross sections.
MV Cragside
The US Navy is slowly transforming a 633-foot cargo ship to a stealth helicopter carrier. The ship was designed by Odense Steel Shipyard and can travel at up to 21 knots. The forward section has a two-bay hangar and the top has an additional flight deck. You can land helicopters from the top deck thanks to its wide openings.
Its design is similar to the Point Class RoRo ships used by the United States Navy. The US Navy plans to transform the ship into a "maritime supporting vessel" capable of supporting at least 207 people. It will be able to travel up to 45 days, and can reach 8000 miles. It will be able to transit 3000 nautical mile in Sea State 5 at a speed of 20 knots and can also travel up to 5 days at 20 knots.
Corvette MV Visby-class
The stealthy ship of the Swedish Navy's MV Visby class corvette can attack submarines and other targets. Its design is low visibility, low radar cross section and has a small infrared signature. This stealth ship can carry an AgustaWestland A109M helicopter.
The Visby has a composite hull made from carbon fiber, vinyl laminate, and PVC plastic. This composite material weighs half as much as steel with the same strength. It also has more radar-absorbing qualities. Its lower thermal signature makes it harder to detect by radar or infrared sensors.
MV Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports
The U.S. Navy’s Sealift Program also includes the MV Spearhead class Expeditionary quick transports. These fast, maneuverable ships are called the MV Spearhead class Expeditionary. These ships, which are low-draft and have high speeds, can be used for transporting heavy and lightweight equipment as well personnel. These ships can travel at speeds between 35 and 45 knots.
Austal in Mobile, Alabama constructed the ship. The USNS Spearhead was christened in September 2011 as the USNS Spearhead. The ship passed acceptance trials in September 2012, and in October 2013, US Navy completed operational testing of T-EPF-1.
MV Sea Shadow
James Rich designed the stealthy ship prototype MV Sea Shadow. Rich took the design to the Pentagon office of a Navy Captain, responsible for submarine research development. Rich's idea was rejected because it would have a high cost and could slow down the ship. But Rich rebutted his objections by explaining the advantages of stealthy performance. The US Navy also funded the prototype.
The Sea Shadow began trials in 1985 and was unarmed at the time. It was initially intended as a demonstration ship and test platform. Later, it was intended to carry a huge radar in its cargo bay. However, this modification was not completed and was delayed. The ship also had plans to carry Patriot air defense missiles, which could operate ahead of regular surface ships.