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A Low Profile, Horizontal Waterjet for Combatant Craft Signature Reduction

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Special Operations Command 		Award ID:
61399 		Program Year/Program:
2002 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
S022-0056 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Orbital Research Inc
4415 Euclid Avenue, Suite 500 Cleveland, OH -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2002
Title: A Low Profile, Horizontal Waterjet for Combatant Craft Signature Reduction
Agency / Branch: DOD / SOCOM
Contract: USZA22-03-P-0039
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

"Propulsion systems aboard current SOCOM Combatant Craft utilize propulsor systems that produce large wake forms, such as rooster tail. Large wake forms exaggerate the true visible and radar cross section of the Combatant Craft and thus increase probabilityfor detection by littoral sensor and radar systems. Common propulsor designs, which originated from the commercial and recreational industries, are not ideal for military operations that require a high degree of concealment. High profile waterjet wakeforms can potentially compromise mission objectives. Orbital Research proposes a novel nozzle design that can be readily adapted to existing SOCOM watercraft propulsors to significantly reduce visible and radar signatures. This unique nozzle concept willreduce wake side profile by nearly 50% without losses in thrust or watercraft performance. In the Phase I, Orbital Research will conduct actual water tests on the proposed nozzle designs. In addition, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations will beperfomed to optimize internal geometry for proper mixing and flow behavior. Thrust, waterjet impingement, and signature reduction will be quantifed from both experimental and CFD data. Several combatant craft, such as the MK V Special Operations Craft,the Rigid Inflatable Boats, and the Riverine, are currently in need of advanced propulsor designs, create a potential market for this specialized propulsor system. Other applications may

Principal Investigator:

Reed Carver
Physicist
4404495785
carver@orbitalresearch.com

Business Contact:

Frederick J. Lisy
Vice President
4404495785
lisy@orbitalresearch.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Orbital Research, Inc.
673G, Alpha Drive Cleveland, OH 44143

EIN/Tax ID: 341672688
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No