Performance and Cost Optimization of an Advanced Lift Fan Blade for Hovercraft

Lift fan efficiency, noise, and life cycle cost all impact mission capabilities of the Navys next-generation landing hovercraft, the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC). Improving efficiency will increase the SSCs endurance and range, reduced noise will improve environmental conditions for personnel on the craft, and minimizing life cycle cost will reduce the overall operational expenses for the SSC program. We propose to develop a high-efficiency, advanced lift fan design using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and structural finite element analysis (FEA) models to maximize efficiency and minimize structural and aeroacoustic noise. We will implement a parametric study to rapidly identify leading designs. We have also teamed with an industry-leading Naval Systems manufacturing partner to evaluate the feasibility and cost of fabricating advanced 3-D blade geometries. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the improved performance and cost effectiveness of our design through numerical modeling, manufacturing studies, and fabrication of prototype hardware. We will use the results to develop a manufacturing plan and a detailed design including the capability to remove and replace individual blades with the impeller installed on the craft.