Advances in unconventional marine vehicle systems
Abstract
We seek to further develop three classes of unconventional marine platforms: (1) the DragonAUV, which is a small AUV that is designed to tow very large payloads, (2) an air-cushionedvehicle (i.e., hovercraft) that is able to travel up sand dunes, and (3) a set ofthree different watercraft that use hydrofoils to achieve high speeds with minimal drag and wake. Among the craftthat use hydrofoils, the first is based on a recreational hydrofoil board that is typically used forwater sports. We will make this craft fully autonomous for use as a remote sensor platform thatis capable of operating in challenging environments, such as the surface zone. The second can beconfigured to operate as both a foil-borne surface craft or as a subsea craft. While on the surface,it provides high-speed transit for a rider. When underwater, it transforms into a diver propulsionvehicle. The third is a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB)for which we will integrate hydrofoils andelectric propulsion. The hydrofoils will be easily retracted so that the RHIB can operatein veryshallow water. In all cases, our development plans lead to full-scale prototype systems which wewill demonstrate to a variety of audiences and potential users.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412383
Entities
People
- Daniel J. Stilwell
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Virginia Tech