SBIR/STTR Award attributes
A craft capable of transporting an ACV from a well deck ship to shore at speeds in excess of 25 knots is being proposed. This craft, referred to as a Sled, is based on the use of inflatable drop stitch panels coupled to a simple aluminum frame. This approach offers the means to collapse the sled in constituent parts that can be stored in a small volume. The propulsion system is also modularized for rapid integration. The sled design allows for loading of the ACV wile in the well of the ship and will deploy the ACV in deep water or on the beach. Ultimately the craft will operate autonomously. In Phase I requirements for the autonomy system will be defined. The sled design is simple and will offer an inexpensive means to rapidly transport ACVs from ship to shore.
