| The USS Albacore is a first-of-its-kind research submarine. Created in the early 1950s with the belief that underwater warfare was the way of the future post-World War II, its teardrop shape would become the blueprint for submarines. This vessel was launched in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1953 and played an important role in submarine engineering research, including propeller testing. After decades of work, Portsmouth, New Hampshire became the Albacore’s permanent home. The USS Albacore Submarine Museum is open to the public. Albacore Park is a National Historic Landmark, featuring a maritime museum, gift shop, and memorial garden. |  The USS Albacore at Albacore Park in Portsmouth, NH. |
Press play for an inside look at our visit! | TrueProp Software is also local to New Hampshire and saw this unique opportunity to use their modern technology on this historic watercraft. TrueProp is the newest technological software for the repair and inspection of marine propellers, providing customers with quality analysis, repair guidance, and compliance reports. It is a powerful diagnostic tool used to investigate the characteristics of a propeller, enabling you to tune it for maximum efficiency and unlock performance potential. |
“Propellers are directly responsible for converting engine power into useful thrust and torque,” explains Chief Technical Officer, Adam Kaplan. “Because of this, the geometric integrity of the propeller blades is crucial for efficiency and, in the Navy’s case, quiet operation. That’s why propeller inspection is such an important aspect of fleet maintenance!”
TrueProp delivers a thorough assessment, identifying whether the propeller meets expectations or requires attention. Functioning as a reliable quality assurance tool, it ensures precise documentation of the delivered product. Since the propeller plays a vital role in managing noise and vibration, selecting the correct size from a shipyard perspective is essential. Post-sea trials provide an opportunity for adjustments, guaranteeing optimal performance and compliance.
TrueProp delivers a thorough assessment, identifying whether the propeller meets expectations or requires attention. Functioning as a reliable quality assurance tool, it ensures precise documentation of the delivered product. Since the propeller plays a vital role in managing noise and vibration, selecting the correct size from a shipyard perspective is essential. Post-sea trials provide an opportunity for adjustments, guaranteeing optimal performance and compliance.
 Adam Kaplan, CTO of TrueProp Software, 3D scanning the USS Albacore's 168-inch propeller | Adam recently visited Albacore Park, where he engaged with Nan Bulger. She is the 2024 Director of STEM Education and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Portsmouth Submarine and Maritime Heritage Association. He also met Board Members Joe Freda and Ken Latchaw (Ken Latchaw served aboard the Albacore). Kaplan’s objective was to inspect the park’s 168-inch diameter propeller using a 3D laser scanner and TrueProp Virtual technology. This advanced inspection with 3D scanning would not have been possible with traditional inspection devices. Something that the Albacore and TrueProp have in common is their mission to be revolutionary. "Technologies of tomorrow may even build on concepts that do not yet exist. Albacore pioneered improvements in submersible |
maneuverability and speed, marking a pivotal moment in technological history,” states Nan. Meanwhile, TrueProp is determined to be a trailblazer in the marine propeller inspection industry. One way they are accomplishing this is with 3D laser scanners.
These scanners are the ultramodern tools of propeller inspection. Often handheld, they scan blade surfaces using multiple light and laser sensors. The systems are very accurate, portable, and have fewer limitations for size and diameter. Coupling a laser scanner with TrueProp Virtual enables data to be captured directly on the boat/submarine - which was not possible before. This results in significant time and cost savings.
These scanners are the ultramodern tools of propeller inspection. Often handheld, they scan blade surfaces using multiple light and laser sensors. The systems are very accurate, portable, and have fewer limitations for size and diameter. Coupling a laser scanner with TrueProp Virtual enables data to be captured directly on the boat/submarine - which was not possible before. This results in significant time and cost savings.
| Taking the Albacore’s 168-inch propeller off the vessel for inspection would have been a massive undertaking - think of the time, manpower, and equipment! With TrueProp Virtual, this major step is eliminated. “Our first goal was to show that TrueProp can inspect very large propellers on-site with minimal equipment,” Adam says. “The Albacore immediately came to mind, and the propeller field at Albacore Park provided the perfect setting, featuring several propellers 80 inches and larger. This was an excellent way to demonstrate that propellers don’t need to be |  A 3D scanner being used to inspect the USS Albacore's propeller. |
removed for inspection—ensuring efficient propulsion performance, reducing drydock maintenance times, and cutting overall costs for shipyards and the Navy.”
“Of course, this project wasn’t without challenges,” he admits. “We scanned the propeller by repositioning ourselves multiple times to access the entire surface. Still, this was a minor inconvenience compared to the effort required in a traditional drydock or shipyard setting.”
Adam explains how the device 3D scans the propeller surface. “To help the 3D scanner maintain its orientation, we used small reflective dot markers spaced every 6–12 inches. Since adhesive markers weren’t ideal for this setting, we opted for magnetic markers that were easy to adjust and didn’t leave any residue on the propeller. It was a bit tricky scanning outdoors in bright sunlight—some reflective areas made it difficult for the scanner to capture details, but we were able to work through these issues successfully.”
“Of course, this project wasn’t without challenges,” he admits. “We scanned the propeller by repositioning ourselves multiple times to access the entire surface. Still, this was a minor inconvenience compared to the effort required in a traditional drydock or shipyard setting.”
Adam explains how the device 3D scans the propeller surface. “To help the 3D scanner maintain its orientation, we used small reflective dot markers spaced every 6–12 inches. Since adhesive markers weren’t ideal for this setting, we opted for magnetic markers that were easy to adjust and didn’t leave any residue on the propeller. It was a bit tricky scanning outdoors in bright sunlight—some reflective areas made it difficult for the scanner to capture details, but we were able to work through these issues successfully.”
| This 3D scan is then imported into the TrueProp Virtual Plugin, which extracts all the required data for an ISO-484 Class Quality analysis quickly and efficiently. In mere minutes, the surface data is extracted from the desired radial positions and saved to a point cloud file. Now, the propeller can be inspected in TrueProp, and ultimately determine if it needs to be removed from the vessel in order to be repaired. So, what initial discoveries were made? "We did find one small area of damage right at the tip of a blade,” Adam shares. |  The 3D rendering of the Albacore's propeller. |
“We could actually see it both visually on the physical propeller and the 3D model. This type of damage could have happened in operation, during haul out - even during transport and setup of the props at the park. When lifting a large prop, they have to be very careful to lift it without the propeller weight resting on the blades - accidents happen."
If we had this technology back in the Albacore’s testing years, it would have been very influential. “3D scanning would have improved the design,” states Nan. “The propeller is a complete design with many surfaces, angles, and drafts. It is also a solid material. If not perfectly designed, a propeller will not rotate correctly, causing vibration, resonance and eventual destruction of the design. It will also cause destruction of the propulsion system as a whole. Additionally, 3D scanning can detect defects in the materials that could later cause vibration or eventual malfunction or breakage.”
Noise signature is a critical factor for the Albacore - and any defense-related vessel. “It’s actually a matter of national security. Ships can detect submersibles by the unique noise patterns they may have underwater, helping surface vessels determine where a submersible is and what submersible, friend or foe, may be lurking underwater,” Nan explains. “The ability to identify and classify these noise signatures is crucial for naval operations and battle planning.”
These days, there are various technologies used to reduce a vessel’s acoustic footprint, including advanced propulsion systems.
According to Nan, the public is very interested in cutting-edge tools, such as 3D modeling. “They enjoy hearing about technological advancements and how they improve efficiency and quality. I often discuss Kurzweil’s Law of Accelerating Technologies, starting with Morse code and progressing to AI, facial recognition, 3D modeling, and holographics. We can now include TrueProp’s technology in these discussions, particularly its potential impact on propulsion systems and submarine noise reduction.”
If we had this technology back in the Albacore’s testing years, it would have been very influential. “3D scanning would have improved the design,” states Nan. “The propeller is a complete design with many surfaces, angles, and drafts. It is also a solid material. If not perfectly designed, a propeller will not rotate correctly, causing vibration, resonance and eventual destruction of the design. It will also cause destruction of the propulsion system as a whole. Additionally, 3D scanning can detect defects in the materials that could later cause vibration or eventual malfunction or breakage.”
Noise signature is a critical factor for the Albacore - and any defense-related vessel. “It’s actually a matter of national security. Ships can detect submersibles by the unique noise patterns they may have underwater, helping surface vessels determine where a submersible is and what submersible, friend or foe, may be lurking underwater,” Nan explains. “The ability to identify and classify these noise signatures is crucial for naval operations and battle planning.”
These days, there are various technologies used to reduce a vessel’s acoustic footprint, including advanced propulsion systems.
According to Nan, the public is very interested in cutting-edge tools, such as 3D modeling. “They enjoy hearing about technological advancements and how they improve efficiency and quality. I often discuss Kurzweil’s Law of Accelerating Technologies, starting with Morse code and progressing to AI, facial recognition, 3D modeling, and holographics. We can now include TrueProp’s technology in these discussions, particularly its potential impact on propulsion systems and submarine noise reduction.”
 3D scanning and TrueProp Virtual enable propeller inspection to happen anywhere. | “We are pleased that TrueProp demonstrated their technology at Albacore,” she continues. “It showed how modern technologies can enhance past designs. If 3D scanning and modeling had been available during the Albacore's construction, it could have improved design accuracy, noise reduction, speed, and maneuverability, while speeding up the design process." TrueProp Software would like to thank the Albacore team for allowing them to visit this celebrated vessel. |
This was a special way to demonstrate what can be accomplished with the technology of today, while analyzing the work of yesterday. Visitors of Albacore Park are sure to appreciate this state-of-the-art application, resulting in more knowledge about the breakthrough vessel’s design and performance journey - what history buff wouldn’t want that?
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