pilothull

Pilothull is a term used in naval architecture and ship design to describe the submerged, partially submerged, or floating section of a vessel that is designed to provide stability, buoyancy, and housing for equipment or cargo. It is the foundational structure upon which the superstructure, which includes the bridge, accommodation, and other deck-level facilities, is built. The design of the pilothull is critical for a ship's seaworthiness, influencing its resistance to capsizing, its speed, and its cargo-carrying capacity.

Different types of pilothulls exist, each suited to specific vessel types and operational requirements. For instance, monohull vessels have a single hull, while multihulls, such as catamarans and trimarans, employ two or three separate hulls connected by a deck structure. Semi-submersible vessels utilize a pilothull that is largely submerged, with the main deck elevated on columns, providing exceptional stability in rough seas. Submarines, by definition, have a pilothull designed to withstand significant external pressure and maintain buoyancy control for underwater operations. The shape and dimensions of the pilothull are determined through extensive calculations and simulations, considering factors like displacement, stability curves, and hydrodynamic efficiency.