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

Littoral Research Group L.L.C. (LRG) of New Orleans, Louisiana proposes the developmentof a high-speed, high-lift planing hull form that significantly reduces the environmentalsignature and shock imparted on the vessel and its occupants. Moreover, they offerthe practical implementation of new concepts and design methodologies that focus onhull-form technology for the exploitation of the hydrodynamic/aerodynamic propertiesas shock mitigation tools. LRG will analyze the 11-meter RIB to establish the analysisbenchmark for the sea-keeping characteristics at static, loiter, semi-planing, andplaning speed. They will identify and analyze alternative hull forms that hold thepotential to improve special operations capabilities, including Mammal and DiverInsertion/Extraction operations of the Very Shallow Water Mine Counter Measures forces(VSW MCM). LRG is prepared to integrate into the new design lift/drag ratio enhancingand shock mitigating devices. The lift/drag ratio enhancing devices could be a set oflow profile retractable semi-lift hydrofoils. Because the craft envisioned would behighly focused in design, the larger commercial potential is in high speed personneltransport, like commuting to offshore rigs, a comfortable crossing from Miami to Bimini,or a ferry trip from Seattle to Victoria B.C. Littoral Research Group L.L.C. (LRG) anticipates extending the design developmentsof the 11-meter RIB's hull geometry to the commercial market segment. Because thecraft envisioned would be highly focused in design, the larger commercial potentialis in high speed personnel transport to the offshore rigs, a comfortable crossingfrom Miami to Bimini, or a ferry trip from Seattle to Victoria B.C.Currently the Navy is developing a fleet of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) in thesupport of the Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) mandate. This fleet is being developedfrom the 7-meter and 11-meter RIB platforms because they have shown the capability tosupport such operations as mine countermeasures, amphibious warfare support,communi-cation relay with UUVs, and a significant number of other functions. LRG views theresearch, development, and deployment of the 11-meter RIB as a large step toward afully autonomous fleet capable of patrol, mine counter measures, communications, andamphibious warfare support.Beginning in the year 2006, marine diesel engines over 37-kW will be required to meetnew clean air standards. Recreational marine engines contribute to ozone formationand high PM (particulate matter) levels, especially in marinas, which are often locatedin areas with air-quality problems. The use of the new hull design technology to assistin meeting the new standards will have a profound positive effect on the air quality inour marinas and National Parks.