Develop and Evaluate Alternative Hullform Technology for the 11 Meter Ridgid Inflatable Boat

This topic was written to improve the ride quality, wake and efficiency of high speed water craft through optimized hullforms. This quest has continued worldwide for almost a century, but nothing has supplanted the deep vee hull for rough water use.Instead of new fiberglass hull shapes, we investigate an `add on' fix, active stabilization with fast moving control surfaces, made practical by new developments in inertial sensing and motion control systems. Ride control systems are common on large fastferries and military aircraft, but are not currently available for small planing craft. In Phase 1 offshore demonstrations we will quantitatively demonstrate signature, range, and ride quality improvements using transom flaps and more sophisticatedsubmerged foil systems. Long-term potential payoff to the US Navy could include fielding a faster, more efficient and effective combatant craft.