Technology for Ship to Shore Connector Concepts with Combined High Speed and Payload Fraction

During Phase I a preliminary Concept Design will be developed and analyzed to validate the PAR hull and propulsion, hydrodynamic and aerodynamic principles for a Ship to Shore Connector that achieves the ONR SBIR, US Navy and USMC objectives for a high speed and high payload/weight ratio Ship to Shore Connector. The primary technology to be evaluated for the Ship to Shore Connector design is the use of a Power Augmented Ram (PAR) technology to provide the added lift and thrust required for high speed, heavy cargo transportation necessary to support an amphibious landing. This type of craft relies on a combination of hydrodynamics and aerodynamic lift support using front RAM turbojets and aft air propeller fan propulsors for high speed forward thrust, hovering and maneuvering while in PAR mode during transits and shore landing. In addition, the use of water jets for medium-lower speed water borne maneuvering for on load and offload connector operations will be considered.Potential alternate vessel designs taking advantage of PAR and a combination of other technologies, such as SES hull forms, air bladders, hydrodynamic front and stern flaps will be evaluated during the initial concept development.