N252-075 TITLE: Outboard Engine Replacement

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Sustainment;Sustainment

OBJECTIVE: Modify a commercial four-stroke outboard engine capable of powering the Marine Corps Enhanced - Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (E-CRRC) and re-starting after immersion.

DESCRIPTION: This SBIR effort is to replace the Marine Corps Non-gasoline Burning Outboard Engine (NBOE) with a modified four-stroke commercial off the shelf (COTS) engine to power the E-CRRC. The modified COTS outboard must meet performance requirements for speed and payload when integrated with the E-CRRC, be capable of starting after immersion, integrate carrying handle(s), be capable of horizontal transport and storage, and meet noise and weight limitations. The immersion requirement is the most difficult and unique requirement to meet and is currently met using two-stroke outboard engines. Two-stroke outboard engines are no longer produced in the United States, presenting challenges with importing and authorization for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as parts availability. Modification of a commercial four-stroke outboard will significantly increase reliability, fuel efficiency, and parts availability while still meeting the unique requirements of the Marine Corps.

The outboard engine must meet the following performance and integration requirements for use with the E-CRRC:

1. Four-stroke commercial outboard.

2. Propel the E-CRRC to 18 kts while transporting 2400 lbs, excluding boat, motor, fuel, and all Stock List-3 (SL-3) equipment, such as the outboard engine maintenance and on-board diagnostic kit.

3. Immersion and rollover protection.

- Capable of immersion to depths of 3’ while inverted for 30 minutes.

- Start within six minutes after immersion.

4. Capable of horizontal transport/storage.

5. Integrated carrying handle(s).

6. Non-reflective black exterior.

7. Not to exceed double hearing protection at the operator’s station per MIL-STD-1474E.

8. Weight not to exceed 270 lbs.

9. Starting method: Electric start, primary; Manual start, secondary

10. 20" shaft length.

11. Midsection transom clamps.

PHASE I: Define and develop a concept for a modified four-stroke outboard engine capable of meeting the Marine Corps requirements. Technical approaches may include purchase of multiple four-stroke outboard makes and models to determine technical feasibility of modifications required to achieve the results. Deficiency areas where four-strokes are unable to meet the requirements will be identified and concepts to overcome the deficiencies presented. Multiple approaches may be assessed in Phase I, but a prototype hardware solution (or multiple solutions) must be achievable within the time and funding scope of Phase II. Phase I proposals shall include but are not limited to: discussion of the performer’s experience and knowledge of relevant technologies and their application to marine outboard engines; the performer’s capability to develop and rapidly prototype hardware required to modify a four-stroke outboard engine; ability to estimate the cost and weight of the final concept; the performer’s ability to transition from concept and prototype to manufacturing. Supplementary material should include recent examples of the performer’s ability to develop, refine, and qualify relevant systems for use in military and marine operational environments and produce systems in significant quantities, utilizing either internal resources or via teaming or licensing agreements. Phase I proposals may include preliminary concepts which demonstrate understanding of the relevant trade spaces.

PHASE II: Develop and deliver at least one prototype four-stroke outboard engine suitable for demonstrating the required speed and payload performance, immersion capability, carry handles, and horizontal transport/storage. The prototype system is not expected to be optimized for physical and integration requirements, i.e., color and E-CRRC integration/attachment at this time, however, concepts to achieve all physical and integration requirements shall be presented. An estimate for the final carry weight should be provided with high confidence that the final weight requirement is achievable. Provide a plan for both low and full rate production, describing proposed fabrication capabilities and teaming or licensing agreements, if applicable. Provide a cost estimate for non-recurring initial resources and facilities as well as production of the final outboard engine solution.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Transition the prototypes to manufacturing and production of the final system suitable for use on the Marine Corps E-CRRC. Field the final system to Marine Corps units utilizing the E-CRRC.

There is potential for other military service interest in the engine or scaling of the technology and modifications development for larger or smaller outboards on multiple platforms.

REFERENCES:

1. Outboard – Outboard motor – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outboard_motor
2. Combat Rubbing Raiding Craft – Combat rubber raiding craft – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_rubber_raiding_craft
3. Marine Corps Systems Command, Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment, COMBAT RUBBER RECONNAISSANCE CRAFT
4. Product Information Sheet. https://www.marcorsyscom.marines.mil/Portals/105/PfM/GCES/PM_ICE/Info%20Sheets/Amphibious%20Reconnaissance%20Team/CRRC_PIS_2018.pdf?ver=2018-05-16-110754-940
5. Marines.mil. 31st MEU BLT 2/4 Small Boat Sustainment, Video posted 13 Dec 2024 https://www.cdi.marines.mil/MOC/Draft-Main-Page/videoid/946975/

KEYWORDS: Four-Stroke; Outboard; Engine; Boat; Speed; Payload

TPOC 1: Jake Feeney
[email protected]

TPOC 2: John O’Brien
[email protected]

---