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

In consideration of the operational requirements of the US Navy VSW/MCM forces to transport marine mammals, this investigation evaluates alternative hullform and innovative technologies to reduce shock transmission to occupants and mammals. Specifically,this investigation evaluates and compares the vertical accelerations, boat signature, and hull resistance of the air lubricated/supported STOLKRAFT hull to the Naval Special Forces 11 Meter Rigid Inflatable Boat. Improved seakeeping and ride qualityhave become increasingly important to developers and owners of high speed craft. In adddition, to US Navy applications in the Special Forces arena, certain enterpriese have begun to develop platform, manned and unmanned, to carry personnel and electronicsensors at high speeds and into rough seas. Many of the sophisticated electronics in production and under development have strict requirements on the limitation of vertical accelerations. In addition, civilian commercial applications such as waterborneambulances and fisheries transport craft have similar requirements to the transport of marine mammals.With the identification of requirements in Phase I, the team will obtain a thorough foundation for the assessment of the Stolkraft as the hullform that will significantly improve performance, reduce vertical accelerations, and minimize slamming loads. Theinvestigation will provide validated data that will be directly useable in the design of vessels for the safe and comfortable transport of marine mammals.