FETAL STEM CELL BANKING

Not Available Topic N98-168 addresses mother-daughter systems that have a large range, high operating speeds and substantial endurance. There are no existing surface ships with a displacement of less than 6,000 tons that can meet the stated performance. This proposal looks at five mother-daughter alternatives in the 2000 to 3500 ton class that offer differing combinations of speed (30-50 knots), displacement, mission payload, range, endurance, development times, and cost. A matrix of five mothers and two daughters will be explored in Phase I. A single mother-daughter concept will be selected with the assistance of the MIW community, for preliminary design in Phase II. The objective is to achieve the navy's performance objectives in a system that costs less than $210 million, provides search rates of 100 sq. N.M. per day, and clearance rates of 40 sq. N.M. per day. The primary benefit of this program is to the U.S. Navy. The concept designs that result from this project will hopefully provide Navy sponsors with greater understanding of advanced systems that meet the Navy's stated MIW performance objectives. Commercial benefits, if any, are not likely until the phase II and III efforts. The commercial benefits would be in the fields of oceanography, hydrography and geophysical exploration where mother-daughter ship concepts may have benefits.