Advanced Structural Development for Naval Hovercraft Ramps (MSC P4033)

The current welded aluminum ramps on the Navy"s Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft are prone to damage related to extreme vehicle and seaway load requirements in combination with corrosion and erosion due to the harsh salt-laden marine environment in which they operate. Improving durability, corrosion resistance and life cycle cost of the air cushioned vehicle (ACV) ramps at minimum weight is paramount to achieving operational goals of future platforms such as the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC). The primary objective of the Phase I program outlined here is to establish the feasibility of using fiber reinforced composite (FRC) materials and innovative design concepts to reduce the weight and increase the durability and maintainability of ACV ramps. Sufficient engineering analyses and testing will be conducted during the Phase I feasibility study to address key issues associated with implementing FRC ramp designs; strength, durability, weight, acquisition cost and maintainability. The Phase I Option Task will mature design details of the leading design candidate and a proposed attachment scheme since it is known that these details are critical to structural performance. Our Phase I final report will outline a verification and validation testing program to be executed during the Phase II program.