The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD), in support of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), has successfully fabricated a composite prototype module and developed a performance specification for future procurement of the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS). The INLS is comprised of powered and non-powered interchangeable modular components, which are assembled as floating platforms. The INLS supports the Navy's Logistics Over-the-Shore (LOTS) operations. All platform assemblies of the INLS must be fully operational in Sea State 3 (SS3), sustain no more than minimal damage in SS4 and structurally survive SS5. This means they must be repairable and have no catastrophic damage. The current Navy lighterage (NL) is a steel modular system with a 40-year service history. It does not meet current performance requirements, such as free board, carrying capacity, throughput and safety. The use of composite materials for the system will fulfill operational and performance requirements, minimize corrosion and maintenance costs, reduce weight, and increase payload. The overall total ownership cost (TOC) associated with acquisition, life cycle logistics and maintenance would be lowered as compared to the current system. A single full-scale prototype module 12.2-m (40.0-ft) long × 7.3-m (24.0-ft) wide × 2.4-m (8.0-ft) was designed for new platform configurations and improved performance requirements. The hull structure and internal members of the barge module were constructed from composite materials, a combination of Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) and pultruded glass-vinylester system. The module was fabricated to demonstrate the viability of composite material and fabrication process selected for manufacturing the INLS modules. Operational tests on the composite prototype module were successfully conducted to assure that the module met all performance requirements.
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