Model tests in open waters – a concept that did pay off

The paper presents the concept of performing model tests in open waters. This concept was realized in the Ilawa Experimental Station arranged on the shore of the Jeziorak Lake in 1956. Since then model tests of high-speed craft, manoeuvrability and propulsion characteristics of conventional seagoing ships and inland waterways push tugs-barges systems have been performed there. New concepts of how to perform the tests were developed. The advantages of performing model tests in open waters were stressed and future possible applications suggested. The activity of the experimental station that belonged to the Technical University of Gdańsk greatly contributed to.