Technology Assessment of Low Energy Vehicles.
Abstract
The objectives of this study are to forecast low energy vehicle technology to the year 2005 and to assess the impact such technological developments may have on U.S. Coast Guard missions, mission requirements, and mission performance. The tasks undertaken in this study include: (1) 1980-2005 environment and scenarios, (2) mission analysis, (3) technology forecast and assessment, (4) energy analysis, and (5) organizational analysis. It is found that ELT may replace SAR as the top priority mission. The helicopter, cutter, patrol boat, ports and waterways boat, and fixed wing aircraft will remain high priority vehicles. The currently available Cessna-type aircraft and new lighter-than-air vehicle (LTAV) will also be highly ranked. Other technologically advanced vehicles improve performance (e.g., response time) - an important consideration in view of future 'threats' - but at the expense of increased energy consumption. However, they may permit indirect energy savings (e.g., by changes in strategy and tactics). Key suggested steps for U.S. Coast Guard energy savings include the LTAV, an energy monitoring system, computer-aided mission planning, and production facility to serve eastern and southeastern districts. Improved power plant and engine component design and remote sensing and communications systems offer other technological opportunities for energy savings. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA079320
Entities
People
- Daniel A. Schwartz
- Harold A. Linstone
- Paul Molnar
- Russell Dawson
- Yehuda Gur