Innovative Technologies to Reduce IR and Airborne Noise Signatures Emanating from Gas Turbine Engines in Naval Special Warfare Craft

Present Naval Special Warfare (NSW) craft are generally powered by diesel engines, which are relatively large, heavy and complex with many moving parts. And, while gas turbine engines have been examined as a compact, high-power, low-maintenancealternative, they tend to be relatively noisy and discharge large volumes of hot exhaust. Both of these characteristics are less than desirable from a detectability standpoint, and detectability is of vital importance during certain phases of manymissions in which Naval Special Warfare Craft are employed. How then can these unfavorable characteristics be overcome to enable SOCOM to use the more compact, high-power, low-maintenance alternative for the NSW craft?This proposal explores innovative technologies that are currently available to reduce infra-red (IR) and airborne noise levels associated with gas turbine engines, thus reducing the ability of an enemy to detect, and once detected, to target NSW craft.Gas turbine engines also have fewer moving parts than reciprocating diesel engines and require overhaul at much longer intervals, thus serving to reduce operational costs.The proposed work will provide a design foundation for the retrofit of gas turbine engines in NSW craft, as well as the incorporation of similar technologies into future SOCOM Special Operations Craft such as the Medium Range Interdiction Craft.