A stealthship is a vessel using stealth technologies that make it difficult to detect. The goal is to conceal the ship's presence from radar and sonar, visual, infrared, and other methods of detection. The MV Ocean Trader, Cragside, and Spearhead-class Expeditionary Fast Transports are examples of such vessels.
MV Ocean Trader
The US Navy stealthship MV Ocean Trader, is named. It is manned by 209 Special Warfighters and can run for 45 days on its own. It can also recharge at sea and replenish up to four small craft. It has a flight platform for helicopter operations and storage for Zodiacs. RHIB launch capability is also available. Command and control are also possible. It also offers food services, and other amenities.
Rich took the concept to the Pentagon, where a Navy captain in charge of submarine research and development was working on the project. Rich convinced him of the benefits of invisibility, despite his concern that the ship would be too expensive. The ship was then dry-docked before it could go into flight. The technology was used to create a new class destroyer with radar and lower-periscope cross sections.
MV Cragside
The US Navy is quietly making a stealthy helicopter carrier out of a 633-foot cargoship. 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 the Point Class RoRo Ships used by United States Navy. The US Navy will be turning the ship into a "maritime support vessel", which will be able to support at least 207 people. It will be able to travel up to 45 days, and can reach 8000 miles. It will be able transit 3000 nautical Miles in Sea State 5 for up to 5 day at 20 knots.
MV Visby-class corvette
The Swedish Navy's MV Visby-class corvette is a stealth ship capable of attacking submarines and other targets. Its design emphasizes low visibility and low radar cross-section. This stealth ship is capable of carrying 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. This composite material also has enhanced radar-absorbing properties. Because of its lower thermal signature, it is harder to detect with radar or infrared detectors.
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 can transport personnel and heavy equipment at high speeds and are shallow-draft vessels. These ships can travel at speeds between 35 and 45 knots.
The ship was built by Austal in Mobile, Alabama, and christened the USNS Spearhead in September 2011. In September 2012 the ship passed acceptance trials. In October 2013, the US Navy completed operational test of TEPF-1.
MV Sea Shadow
The MV Sea Shadow is a stealth ship prototype that was originally designed by James Rich. Rich presented the design at the Pentagon to a Navy commander who was responsible for submarine research and development. Rich's idea was rejected because it would have a high cost and could slow down the ship. Rich explained the advantages of stealthy operation to him, and he rebutted his fears. The MV Sea Shadow went on to be a highly effective stealth ship, and the US Navy funded the prototype.
Sea Shadow started trials in 1985, but was still unarmed. It was initially intended as a demonstration ship and test platform. Later, it was planned to include a large radar in its payload area. This modification was delayed and was never completed. It was also planned to carry Patriot air defense missiles. These could work ahead of normal surface ships.