Portable Boats and Small Craft Assembly Kits Easily Manufacturable in Theatre

Structural Composites, Inc. (SCI) is spearheading an initiative to fulfill the Navy's demand for adaptable, deployable craft, suitable for operations in Sea State 3 conditions. Our proposal introduces innovative portable boats and small craft assembly kits, meticulously designed for straightforward manufacturing and assembly in operational theaters, thereby boosting operational agility, payload efficiency, and readiness. Our Phase I effort is focused on the exploration of diverse craft configurations to unearth an optimal blend of performance-enhancing features. A comprehensive toolkit for the assembly and launching process is a key part of our proposition, designed for maximal shipping efficiency and strategic accommodation within standard 40’ ISO containers. Aiming for a craft baseline weight of 1000 lbs. without payload, we prioritize ease of transport and handling. A cornerstone of our project is the application of CoCure™ resin technology for the creation of robust composite-metal hybrid structures, alongside an advanced component handling system to ease the assembly process, and versatile hull and deck designs. These innovations are aimed at delivering substantial improvements in operational performance, including enhanced stability in challenging sea conditions and adaptability for a variety of mission types. Our technical objectives encompass the execution of a feasibility analysis for design configurations, assessment of compactness and portability, optimization of payload and weight, and the improvement of deployment speed. Supported by rigorous simulation and physical validation, these goals will be advanced through our partnership with Aelius Exploitation Technologies, leveraging state-of-the-art visualization and simulation technologies. A key addition to our innovative approach is the capability of the craft to be launched and recovered using conventional ship systems, ensuring seamless integration with existing naval operations without the need for modifications to the ships. This feature significantly enhances operational flexibility and efficiency, allowing for rapid deployment and recovery in diverse mission scenarios. With decades of experience in small craft design and composite technology, SCI's team is well-equipped to lead this project. Our commercialization strategy extends beyond Navy applications to include disaster relief and remote operations, exploiting our assembly kit solution's unique advantages. Operating from our Melbourne, FL facility, equipped with sophisticated engineering and fabrication capabilities, SCI is poised to implement this project, affirming our commitment to pioneering composite solutions. Our history of innovation, combined with a solid track record in marine technology, establishes a strong foundation for this venture into portable boat and small craft assembly, meticulously tailored to meet the Navy's exacting standards.