Application of Advanced Materials for High Volatility Fuel Management

This proposal defines a pathway to safely carry and dispense gasoline and other highly volatile fuels within enclosed spaces aboard U.S. Navy ships, and in particular, the Littoral Combat Ship. This is necessary to accommodate the Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) employed by SEAL detachments and other small craft as used by the U.S. Marines, EOD detachments and possibly USVs such as the OWL/ASH, all of which burn only gasoline. The concept is basically that at no time will it be necessary to transfer fuel via pressurized hose while aboard ship. The fuel will be stowed in fuel bladders (which also serve as the fuel tanks for the boats), within containment drawers, within a fire protected and instrumented compartment of a specifically outfitted, independent ISO container. This document describes how in Phase I, AOC, Inc. in partnership with USF Equipment and Services, Inc. and AAR Mobility Systems, Inc., and in a working relationship with NAVSEA warrant holders, intends to develop the concept into a Navy-acceptable feasibility design to include: Performance Specifications, MEL, Preliminary Drawings, Schedule, Cost Estimates, ILS Plan, Manning Analysis, Shock Qualification Plan, Safety Analysis and Phase II Prototyping and Test/Qualification Plan.