Sinking Hose System for Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) (MSC P4278)

The Naval Expeditionary Program Office is seeking the development of a new submersible hose system for the Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS) that is flexible, collapsible, and will sink in seawater when full of fuel. Current commercial layflat, high pressure hose design and manufacturing methods are not suitable for integrated construction of an affordable, heavy layflat hose that meets the competing performance requirements for a collapsible, submersible hose. Building on prior related design and manufacturing experience, Materials Sciences Corporation proposes the development and manufacturing of a new fiber reinforced, submersible hose design and integrated manufacturing method that offers high pressure, collapsibility and durability to meet the Navy requirements for the ABLTS hose system. The proposed Phase I program includes design, laboratory scale manufacturing and testing of several candidate material systems and hose constructions to demonstrate feasibility and provide a foundation for future development and testing of a fully functional hose system in Phase II.