Britain launched the research vessel Triton on 6 May. At 90m waterline length, she is the largest trimaran ever built, and could define the next paradigm in surface warships. The ship has a center hull similar to that of other warships, but with two much narrower hulls (one on either side). A huge deck covers all three hulls, giving the ship twice as much deck space (read weapons, helicopters, electronics) of other ships of the same displacement. The side hulls may well provide protection for the central hull from weapons such as missiles or torpedoes. --Stephen V Cole