N112-142 TITLE: Advanced Structural Development for Naval Hovercraft Ramps

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMS 377J, LCAC and SSC Programs

OBJECTIVE: To develop durable, lightweight bow and stern ramps that will improve payload lift capacity and reduce corrosion, weight, and life-cycle costs for LCAC or SSC.

DESCRIPTION: The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicle, which is a Navy hovercraft, has welded aluminum bow and stern ramps to provide roll-through capability for loading and unloading equipment and personnel. The ramps are heavy and prone to damage due to the uniquely harsh environment in which the LCAC operates. This environment includes exposure to salt, sand, sediment, seawater spray as well as machinery oils from offloaded equipment.

This topic seeks innovative, advanced materials and structural concepts to provide a lightweight ramp alternative that is resistant to the environment challenges inherent in the operating arena while handling large loads up to 74.5 tons (149,000 lbs). Addressing these challenges will increase the ruggedness and durability of these ramps which in turn will reduce life-cycle and maintenance costs. A reduction in weight while maintaining the structural integrity will allow for an increase in the payload lift capacity of the vessel. The current ramps are hydraulically operated. The proposed design must be able to interface with the existing attachment points and pulley system. The proposed structure shall conform to current ramp size and stowage constraints. During technology development and fleet integration, testing will be conducted that will include functionality demonstrations and roll-on/roll-off trials of various Marine Corps vehicles including the Abrams M1A1 tank. This includes the most severe load case of a cantilever arrangement where the ramp is supported on only one corner. If successfully developed, proposed concepts could have application to the Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) Program.

PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of the application of innovative, advanced materials and structural concepts to provide a lightweight ramp alternative that is resistant to the environment challenges inherent in the LCAC and SSC operating arena while handling large loads up to 74.5 tons (149,000 lbs). Establish performance goals and provide a Phase II development approach and schedule that contains discrete milestones for product development.

PHASE II: Develop, demonstrate and fabricate a prototype panel and subsection as identified in Phase I. In a laboratory environment, demonstrate that the prototype product meets the performance goals established during Phase I. Provide a detailed plan for hardware certification, validation, and method of implementation. Prepare cost estimates, logistics data packages, and interface documents for use in both forward fit and retrofit ship programs.

PHASE III: Utilizing the technology developed during Phase I and II, transition the prototype design into a production design, for procurement and possible implementation into the LCAC or SSC acquisition. As applicable, the small business will work with the Navy or Industry to transition the technology.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Commercial ferries and cargo ships that load and unload vehicles and heavy equipment would benefit from the design and technology development of durable, lightweight ramps. Trucks which use ramps for loading, such as moving or delivery trucks, would also benefit from the durability and weight savings this technology could provide.

REFERENCES:
1. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/lcac.htm

2. LCAC Tech Manual - S9169-AC-MMA-010 Bow and Stern Ramp System

KEYWORDS: Landing Craft Air Cushion; LCAC; Lightweight; Advanced Materials; Cargo ramp; Ship to Shore Connector

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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