N102-157 TITLE: Light High-Speed Amphibious Vehicle

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Weapons

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Operational Logistics Integration Program

OBJECTIVE: To develop robust solutions to the hydrodynamic drag issues associated with high-speed amphibious vehicles in a variety of size classes.

DESCRIPTION: Amphibious vehicles have historically offered a unique ability to cross the surf line and move cargo inland on a single platform, but have always had disadvantages including low water speed and limited cargo capacity. Advances in technology since the 1960s (when the last major wheeled cargo carrying amphibian series was designed), however, appear to show promise in addressing some of the technical issues that have historically limited performance of an amphibian.

The key limiting factor for water performance has been the hydrodynamic drag associated with the land mode drive train of the vehicle. Legacy designs such as the LARC series and the familiar DUKW have accepted this drag and made incremental concessions to boat-like design for operation as displacement vessels. Large amphibious demonstrators have had to accept a great deal of design complexity (e.g. retractable hydrofoils, variable geometry surfaces, redundant or extremely large power plants) to attain high water speeds. Small high-speed demonstrators have been more successful in maintaining a more nearly automotive design, but have very limited carrying capacities.

This project seeks innovative technological solutions to mitigate the adverse water mode performance effects of the land mode drive train in an amphibious vehicle. Potential approaches include, but are not limited to, retraction mechanisms, faired covers, and controlled separation of flows. Special consideration should be paid to minimizing the overall craft impact of the selected technology, both in terms of space and weight required and in terms of preparation and time required to shift between land and water operating modes. Scalability to vehicle sizes capable of carrying an operationally relevant cargo (e.g. multiple fully equipped personnel, palletized supplies) is a necessity.

PHASE I: Complete the required initial research to demonstrate that enhanced capabilities are achievable with the proposed technology or concept. Prepare a concise study showing how the new technology will achieve high water speeds and mode conversion in the context of a mid-size amphibious vehicle. Approximate Desired Characteristics: road legal, water speed 20+ kts, road speed 45+ mph, cargo capacity of at least one short ton, sufficient off-road capability to exit an unimproved beach.

PHASE II: Construct a sub-scale development model of the selected technology and conduct appropriate preliminary tests to measure performance and identify a development path to full capability.

PHASE III: Construct or convert a full scale demonstration vehicle suitable for test & evaluation by the transition sponsor.

PRIVATE SECTOR APPLICATIONS: Emergency responders and civilian search and rescue organizations might find the amphibious capability useful for a number of missions. Additionally, a large number of mid-size amphibians are in use as tourist and pleasure craft throughout the world. These craft are between 45 and 60 years old, and long out of production. Modern high performance amphibious craft could find a civilian market in this industry.

REFERENCES:
1. "Wheeled Amphibians" Army Material Command Design Handbook AMCP 706-350, 1971.

2. United States Coast Guard Navigation and Inspection Circular No. 1-01 Inspection of Passenger Carrying Amphibious Vehicles. USCG COMDTPUB P16700.4 NVIC 1-01

3. Friedman, Norman J. U.S. Amphibious Ships and Craft: An Illustrated Design History. Naval Institute Press, 2002.

KEYWORDS: Amphibious Vehicles, Amphibians, Small Craft, Hydrodynamics, Drag Reduction, Maritime Mobility

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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