ShipConstructor was independently selected for the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) program based on its core functionality as an affordable 3D product modeling software that integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD. The NSRP is standardizing the use of ShipConstructor as a common design package through active participation in the development of the software’s specifications to meet the needs of both the first and second-tier shipyards.
ShipConstructor was independently selected for the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) program based on its core functionality as an affordable 3D product modeling software that integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD. The NSRP is standardizing the use of ShipConstructor as a common design package through active participation in the development of the software’s specifications to meet the needs of both the first and second-tier shipyards.
On January 14 and 15, 2004 Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL) hosted a major NSRP project team meeting. Representatives met in Victoria, BC to review the program’s progress.
On schedule and on time seems to be the consensus reached at the quarterly meeting. The attending members were very pleased with the progress and development work being done at Albacore Research Ltd. Many of the requested enhancements were included in ARL’s latest release last October when ShipConstrucor2004 hit the market.
These included two new modules: HVAC, a full Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning module, and the Penetrations module, for defining and approving holes and cut-outs within the structural model. HVAC ducts are full-featured custom objects within AutoCAD, not just lines or solids, while the Penetrations module provides complete implementation and revision control, virtually eliminating costly mistakes. Both modules are fully integrated into the ShipConstructor suite and use the SQL Server product database to facilitate automatic report generation. Many further improvements and enhancements will be included in the May release of ShipConstructor2005.
It was unanimously decided that a “no-charge extension” be applied for to give ARL more time to develop additional features and to bring the project end inline with ShipConstructor’s next release. All participating members are very excited about this project and are looking forward to future developments.
Project participants include:
Shipyards:
- Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co. Inc.
- Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
- General Dynamics – Electric Boat
- Bollinger Shipyards, Inc.
- Manitowoc Marine Group
- VT Halter Marine, Inc.
Designers:
- Elliott Bay Design Group
- Alan C. McClure Associates, Inc.
- Murray & Associates, LLC
- Genoa Design International Ltd.
Software Developers:
- Albacore Research Ltd.
- Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.