Approach to Increase Craft Speed by Use of the Inflatable Articulated Ship Tie (INFAST)

The goal of this proposal is to develop an articulated connection system that allows conventional landing craft/cargo vessels, such as the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1600 Class, to be linked in a train for increased cargo transit speed. The proposed method allows the connection device to link craft together allowing each craft freedom of movement in the three rotational axes of pitch, roll, and yaw. The connection system allows transfer of compressive and tension forces between craft without the use of large heavy mechanical fasteners. By use of an innovative system, it couples a connection and a fairing into one system, merging all the craft into a single hull form. This method of connection acts as a compression and tension member, flexible joint, and a fairing shaped to mitigate bow waves generated by follow craft in the train. Based on theoretical formulas and expected reduction of residual forces, it is anticipated that four connected craft will accomplish the desired 30% increase in speed.