Tango Bravo
Abstract
Based on the results of the DARPA/Navy Submarine Design Study, the Tango Bravo technology demonstration program is exploring design options for a reduced-size submarine with equivalent capability of the VIRGINIA Class submarine. The implicit goal of this program is to reduce platform infrastructure and, ultimately, the cost of future design and production of submarines. The program is a collaborative effort to overcome selected technological barriers that are judged to have a significant impact on submarine platform and infrastructure cost. DARPA and the Navy jointly formulated technical objectives for critical technology demonstrations in: 1) shaftless propulsion, 2) external weapons stowage and launch, 3) conformal alternatives to the existing spherical sonar array, 4) radical ship infrastructure reduction technologies that eliminate or substantially simplify hull, mechanical and electrical systems, and 5) automated attack center technologies to reduce crew manning. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing joint DARPA/Navy funding for the Tango Bravo program was executed in September 2004. Anticipating success of shaftless propulsion technologies demonstrated in the Tango Bravo program, DARPA and the U.S. Navy collaborated in 2008 with the goal of designing, building, and testing a large scale Submarine Shaftless Stern Demonstrator (S3D) to characterize and mitigate risks associated with ship integration into a next generation submarine propulsion option. The S3D program focused on full-ship concept studies supported by Tango Bravo Shaftless Propulsion technical risk reduction activities. Elements of the Tango Bravo program began transition to the Navy in FY 2009.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 3bd50f933c80947fae60e0fe3b8c09a1