The Navy utilizes small, crewed watercraft, e.g., the Special Operations Craft Ravine, for a range of missions in the littoral zone. These watercrafts, while designed for high-speed operation, also require low-speed stealth operation to successfully complete all types of mission objectives. However, the existing internal combustions engines and propulsion systems currently used on these vessels emit too much noise to meet the Navys mission requirements. A quiet auxiliary propulsion system is needed for quiet and low-speed operation. To meet this need, Creare proposes a low acoustic signature electric propulsion system comprising a compactly integrated motor and propeller pod designed to deploy from and stow on the transom of the watercraft with simple rotating mechanisms and custom integration of readily available power and control electronics with low acoustic emissions. In Phase I, the Creare team will refine the overall design (including performance, acoustics, and mechanical integration) by conducting analyses, testing, and consulting with the Navy and our team of experts. In Phase II, we will refine the design and conduct full-scale prototype testing.
Benefit: The anticipated result of this project is an ultra-quiet electric propulsion system design that enables the Navy to stealthily operate small special operations watercraft at low speed. This capability will allow the Navy to perform missions more safely and without detection. The technology has potential application to commercial marine markets since low-noise operation of electric propulsion systems are typically desired and often a factor considered by watercraft owners.
Keywords: electric propulsion, electric propulsion, Acoustic, stealth, watercraft, hydroacoustic
