Adaptive Hull Structure

Ryzing Technologies is proposing to employ high-pressure braided inflatable beams (tubes) and durable tensioned fabric to develop an innovative deployable hull technology for amphibious vehicles. This technology can be stowed during land and low-speed water operations and deployed when improved speed and efficiency in water mobility is desired. When deployed, the hull will increase the effective hull length and reduce the drag of the wheels and other protuberances. Braided inflatable beams can approach the strength of rigid structures while retaining the low cost, low stowage volume, and ease of deployment of inflatable structures. These features combined with a tension fabric system offer the promise of a novel hull structure that will improve the performance of amphibious vehicles while keeping cost and complexity to a minimum. With the success of the proposed Phase I effort, a technology will be established that can be utilized to improve existing amphibious vehicles, be incorporated in new amphibious vehicle designs, and be used in new inflatable recreational and military boat design.