A Feasibility Study of Air Cushion Vehicle Utilization in Coast Guard Missions

摘要

The subject investigation has studied the feasibility of air cushion vehicle (ACV) utilization in the performance of Coast Guard missions within the five program areas of Ice Management, Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation, Marine Environmental Protection and Safety, Security, and Law Enforcement. In order to develop credible operational scenarios, the First and Ninth District operations were examined. the Voyageur ACV, as an existing craft, was compared with the 110' WYTM and the 140' WTGB in the First and Ninth Districts respectively. Effectiveness comparisons between the vehicle systems were made with respect to 12 relevant performance parameters and the potential annual utilization in mission operating hours was estimated for the ACV. the operating strengths of the ACV stem from its high speed, zero draft, and icebreaking capabilities. The weaker areas of the ACV capability relate to its towing bitt pull and endurance characteristics. It is estimated that the annual utilization of the ACV in mission operations is likely to exceed that of the existing Coast Guard cutters. A year around utilization is feasible. Hourly, annual and life cycle costs for the ACV operations have been developed within the study. (Author)