USS Albacore (AGSS-569)

USS Albacore (AGSS-569) is an experimental US Navy submarine hull preserved as a museum ship in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It served as a research testbed for hydrodynamic and hull-form studies that influenced modern submarine design.

The boat’s primary draw is the hull form itself and the ability to view and, in many parts, walk through an experimental submarine that was used for trials rather than combat. Exhibits typically explain its role in testing propulsion, control and hull-shape concepts that led to the modern teardrop hull.

Albacore was built for the US Navy as an experimental research submarine and spent its career conducting trials and demonstrations for naval architects and engineers. After retirement from active research it was preserved as a museum vessel.

The submarine is on display in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on the Piscataqua River waterfront; the museum location places it within easy reach of downtown Portsmouth and regional visitor facilities.

• Teardrop hull: The hull is an experimental teardrop-shaped design developed to test high-speed and maneuverability concepts that influenced postwar submarine design.