Fiber Reinforced Composite Hull and Topside Structures for Air Cushioned Vehicles (MSC P7003) Navy SBIR FY2007.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2007.1 Topic No.: N07-056 Topic Title: Fiber Reinforced Composite Hull and Topside Structures for Air Cushioned Vehicles (MSC P7003) Proposal No.: N071-056-1209 Firm: Materials Sciences Corporation 181 Gibraltar Road Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044 Contact: Anthony Caiazzo Phone: (215) 542-8400 Web Site: www.materials-sciences.com Abstract: The current aluminum hull and topside structure on LCAC are prone to corrosion and erosion due to the harsh salt-laden marine environment in which they operate. Improving durability, corrosion resistance, acoustic insulation and life cycle cost of the air cushioned vehicle (ACV) structure at minimum weight is paramount to achieving operational goals of future platforms such as the Joint Maritime Assault Connector (JMAC). The innovation and opportunity offered in this proposal is an approach for simultaneously reducing the weight, improving the durability and corrosion resistance of ACV hull and superstructure using fiber reinforced composite materials. To accomplish this objective, an Integrated Product Team (IPT) of composite designers and fabricators has been assembled to develop lightweight, advanced material solutions and joint designs for a typical ACV hull configuration. We are proposing to concurrently engineer the material, structural, and manufacturing efforts to meet the weight, durability and life-cycle cost goals. The primary Phase I product is a preliminary design package, i.e., a technical report and drawings, that will allow comparison of the SBIR design concept to performance goals and metrics defined by the IPT and the government. Benefits: Future ACV will require advanced materials to meet the emerging mission goals at a manageable life-cycle cost. The technical thrust of this SBIR effort is development of lightweight, durable, structures for ACV that can be fabricated using relatively low-cost fiber reinforced composite manufacturing techniques. The leading application for the lightweight designs developed under this effort will naturally be substitution for similar configurations that exist on the LCAC. In addition to this direct application, MSC will pursue applying the concepts developed under this SBIR to emerging vehicles such as JMAC, in addition to commercial applications requiring rugged, lightweight shallow-water transports. Return