Amphibious Combat Vehicle Ramp Interface Modular Buoyant Kit (MBK) for Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) Stern Ramp Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Topic No.: N152-101 Topic Title: Amphibious Combat Vehicle Ramp Interface Modular Buoyant Kit (MBK) for Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) Stern Ramp Proposal No.: N152-101-0097 Firm: Great Lakes Sound & Vibration, Inc. 47140 N Main St. Houghton, Michigan 49931-9755 Contact: Steve Mattson Phone: (906) 482-7535 Abstract: Our team will develop and evaluate multiple solutions concepts for a new Modular Buoyant Kit (MBK) that will leverage a wealth of experience in design and manufacturing of the current JHSV stern ramp, launch and recovery systems used on various naval platforms such as littoral combat ship, and experience with the lightweight modular causeway system. The proposed effort leverages an innovative yet structured approach to concept development and feasibility study. Each proposed solution will be designed to meet the minimum mission requirements, but the following designs (and others not yet identified) will be considered during Phase I to explore the tradeoffs of capability versus cost, complexity, and crew safety for each design: permanently installed inflatable MBK, deployable rigid or semi-rigid MBK, and a combination of permanent and deployable elements. Outcomes will include a feasible MBK concept design(s), preliminary design and sizing calculations, concept of operations, modeling and simulation results, and manufacturing cost estimates. Benefits: The proposed effort will result in development of a modular buoyant kit (MBK) that is feasible and affordable. It will ultimately enable a key aspect, specifically splash-off launch and recovery (L&R) of amphibious platforms at close range, of the challenging USMC mission objective of amphibious assault. In addition to enabling splash-off L&R of amphibious platforms, a functional MBK also enables L&R of small boats and unmanned platforms down the JHSV stern ramp. This is an important capability specifically requested by PMS 385 in topic number N152-102. Return