摘要 |
A telescoping spar structure designed to be scalable for use with very large floating platforms to relatively small floating platforms includes a platform/hull for supporting a payload; a telescoping spar attached to the platform/hull that includes several interlocking tubes extending from a shallow end to a deep end of the spar, the tubes configured to telescope in and out of adjacent tubes such that the tubes are nestable together in a stowed configuration; a buoyancy chamber attached to the spar between shallow and deep ends of the spar; and, a damping chamber attached to the spar between the buoyancy chamber and the deep end of the spar, the damping chamber including: a first compartment for entraining a volume of water, a second compartment for enclosing deployment ballast, and a release mechanism for jettisoning the deployment ballast from the second compartment after the spar structure is deployed, enabling the platform to rise to an operational height relative to the waterline.
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