Tough Lightweight Composite LCU 1600 Hull Extensions to Increase Speed Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-049 Topic Title: Tough Lightweight Composite LCU 1600 Hull Extensions to Increase Speed Proposal No.: N051-049-0055 Firm: KaZaK Composites Incorporated 32 Cummings Park Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-2122 Contact: Michael McAleenan Phone: (781) 932-5667 Web Site: kazakcomposites.com Abstract: KaZaK Composites with Gibbs and Cox propose several LCU 1600 hull modifications to increase hull speed and reduce inter-hull turbulence. The concepts presented are not self exclusionary, a combination of concepts may provide the hydrodynamic benefits to meet a 30% increase in LCU hull speed. CFD modeling (computational fluid dynamic) of the various options individually and where feasible in combination will assist in prioritizing projected hydrodynamic performance. In addition to meeting performance requirements, selected hull augmentations must meet the following; minimize effects to payload capacity, permit unimpeded movement of vessels to and from the beach, return hull back to original un-deployed state for the purposes of stowage, modify hull form while in-situ and minimize manpower or time to implement. By engaging both composites and ship structures engineering companies as team members, KaZaK and the Navy are insured that developing designs will consider and address all important ship and systems requirements. In Phase I KaZaK and our team members will perform extensive design studies, including finite element analysis of critical load conditions, dynamic modeling, CFD modeling to validate performance predictions. Such an analytical approach will reduce Navy risk in Phase II. Benefits: At the conclusion of a successful Phase I and II, the Navy will be in possession of proven designs for augmenting LCU 1600 designs to enhance performance. KaZaK plans to follow three parallel paths for commercialization of the LCU hull and technology for its production that will be developed in this SBIR program. If Phase II is successful, a likely progression of events would include a Phase III commercial purchase of a quantity of hull attachments by the Navy, first for sea trials and later for fleet service. KaZaK and Gibbs and Cox will explore the permissibility of evolving this technology to support the design and fabrication of a future LCU design to meet SEA POWER 21 objectives. Return