Sea Base to Treeline Connector Innovation Cell

摘要

This paper details research performed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD) within the 'Sea Base to Treeline Connector' Innovation Cell in the Center for Innovation in Ship Design (CISD). The primary objective of this Innovation Cell was to develop a new concept that looks at the problem of moving military vehicles, troops, and equipment from the Sea Base to the treeline. This process includes moving the cargo off the cargo transport ship at the Sea Base, moving the cargo to the beach, and then moving the cargo over the beach to some distance inland that is road or rail accessible. The Innovation Cell brainstormed and identified many concepts to solve the problem and made use of other interested parties in the brainstorming process. Several initial concepts were researched, including both near-term and long-term solutions. These concepts ranged from large innovative vehicles to systems of smaller vehicles including existing military assets. Advantages and disadvantages of each concept were assessed, and a final concept was selected for further design work. Key decision factors were sea state capability and fuel consumption, as well as projected cost, risk, and effectiveness. Payload requirements and other necessary operational capabilities were used to establish an event model for the selected concept. This event model was then used to determine initial approximations of system characteristics. Basic hullform, arrangements, weights, hydrostatics, and power analyses were then performed to evaluate the feasibility of the new concept.