The Navy has a need for a surface connector vessel for movement of equipment, personnel and cargo between a host vessel and shore. Proposed is a surface effect ship (SES) that will ride on a combination of pressurized air cushions in the rear section, a dynamic planing lift from twin V-hulls forward. Based on Harley Boat Corporations patented technology; improvements to the existing patent; and information gathered from previously tested designs, the innovative craft is expected to achieve up to 4 to 5 times the efficiency of conventional catamaran hull vessels. Under Phase 1, a goal will be to show that the design will be superior to conventional skirted hovercraft. The proposed connector craft will have far better seals and will more efficiently create the needed lift. In addition to the rear air cushions, the SES also generates lift from the dynamic the V-Hull forward. The low loss aft air cushions and the forward V-Hull work together to create a far higher lift than previous vessels. Under the Phase 1 Option, the team will study the augmentation of the SES design through the use of power ram augmented technology, such as the Power Augmented Ram Landing Craft (PARLC).
Benefit: The proposed vessel will have many advantages over conventional vessels, including speed, stability, smoothness of ride, and fuel efficiency. Therefore, not only will the craft have military advantages, but will also be valuable in commercial cargo and passenger operations around the world. Of particular application due to its great commercial and humanitarian need, will be in-stream cargo operations at overcrowded or underdeveloped ports and the delivery of the cargo via inland waterways.
Keywords: CONNECTOR, CONNECTOR, air cushion, surface effect ship, twin hull, Fuel Efficiency, Power Augmented RAM, Landing Craft, SES
