Hybrid Electric Drive for Small Craft

摘要

The use of hybrid fossil-fuel/electric technology in small Navy craft has significant benefits in two general areas: 1) Power Generation for high- power mission elements and 2) Unique Capabilities such as silent transport/ insertion. There are no significant benefits to be gained in areas of propulsion efficiency and performance. Augmented electric power generation is the most promising near term application for hybrid-electric technology and should be explored through the development of a hardware prototype system that is fully integrated in functioning small craft. This level of effort should be undertaken as a Phase II effort. A unique capability mission (a stealthy Special Forces insertion craft) application that could benefit from this technology was identified but required the development of a new hull in order to be successful. This was deemed beyond the scope of an SBIR effort.