N092-122 TITLE: Advanced Marine Engine for Combatant Craft Increased Payload

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 325G, Small Boats and Craft

OBJECTIVE: Develop an innovative advanced propulsion solution for future combatant craft with break-through technology for multi-fuel engines weighing three to five times less than conventional diesel engines of the same horsepower.

DESCRIPTION: Today�s riverine forces employ combatant patrol and assault craft that rely on speed, acceleration, and maneuverability for survivability and multi-mission success. These capabilities are at risk because of the increasing demand to carry more extensive payloads (e.g. combat troops, more expensive C4ISR equipment, weapons, and ballistic armor, etc.) As the payload demand increases, the craft�s speed, agility, survivability decreases, while at the same time increasing the acquisition costs. Increased payloads are desired, but not at the expense of sacrificing speed and acceleration. The unique environments in which these crafts operate expose the vessels to, sand, mud, oils, and seawater spray as well as potential ballistic hazards. Current diesel fuel propulsion systems are typically modifications of land systems designed for heavy trucks or stationary land-based power generation, with weight-to-power ratios in the 3 to 5 range and extremely different operational duty cycles. As such, using these engines which have been optimized for a land base environment in a marine application directly results in reduced reliabilities and shorter life spans.

This topic seeks to identify and apply innovative advanced solutions for future combatant craft engines that will be scalable or modularized to be able to meet the 100 Hp to 700 Hp range for direct drive systems with weight-to-power ratios less than or equal to 1.0. Novel R&D based solutions that lead to significant reduction in weight to power ratios will enable significant increases in mission system payload weight or personnel transport capability. Additionally, the ability to be multi-fuel capable will provide maximum flexibility for multi-theatre operations. A key challenge is going to be providing these capabilities in a package that can withstand severe marine operational duty cycles, harsh maritime environments with corrosion resistance, able to withstand the shock of repeated wave impacts, jet fuel or diesel fuel compatible, and extended life performance. Desired features include, jet fuel and diesel fuel adaptability, multi-module stacking for larger craft applications to achieve logistical commonality across a family of craft sizes, state-of-the art noise and vibration controls, and rapid removal for mission flexibility, repair, or expeditionary land-based applications. Successful innovation and technology transition will provide a solution for a top level science and technology objective for maneuvering of advanced hull forms published in the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Science and Technology Strategic Plan.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative multi-fuel marine engine that will be scalable or modularized to be able to meet the 100 Hp to 700 Hp range for direct drive systems with weight-to-power ratios less than or equal to 1.0. Perform bench top experimentation where applicable to demonstrate concepts. Complete preliminary design that addresses the needs as identified above.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and fabricate a prototype as identified in Phase I. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype meets the performance goals established in Phase I. Verify final prototype operation in a representative laboratory environment and provide results. Develop a cost benefit analysis and a Phase III installation, testing, and validation plan.

PHASE III: Working with government and industry, construct a full-scale prototype and install onboard a selected combatant craft. Conduct extended shipboard testing. The small business will pursue global commercial markets in applying the new technology to commercial craft.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The vendor will be able to market the new capabilities to over twenty boat builders who serve the U.S. military and commercial markets, as well as the international small boat commercial industry.

REFERENCES:
1. American Boat and Yacht Council Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, H-26, H-33, P-1, P-4, P-14, P-24.

2. American Bureau of Shipping. "Guide for Building and Classing High Speed Craft." October 2001.

3. NECC Science and Technology Strategic Plan. October 2007.

KEYWORDS: advanced power systems; engine; weight-to-power ratio; small boats; combatant craft

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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