IX-515 class rigid sidewall surface-effect trials craft

 1 IX-515 class MISCELLANEOUS (IX)

 Name           Hull No.  Launched        In service      Status

 ........       IX-515    Dec. 1978       Sept. 1980      Active
   (ex-USCG DORADO, WSES-1; ex-SES-200)

Designed by Bell Aerospace-Textron and built by Halter Marine in a jointly financed effort. Leased in January 1980 for one month by the Coast Guard and then again for a longer trials period in 1981. On Sept. 29, 1982, the ship came under U.S. Navy control and accommodations...