Littoral Research Group L.L.C. (LRG) of New Orleans, Louisiana proposes the development of a high-speed, high-lift planing hull form that significantly reduces the environmental signature and shock imparted on the vessel and its occupants. Moreover, they offer the practical implementation of new concepts and design methodologies that focus on hull-form technology for the exploitation of the hydrodynamic/aerodynamic properties as shock mitigation tools. LRG will analyze the 11-meter RIB to establish the analysis benchmark for the sea-keeping characteristics at static, loiter, semi-planing, and planing speed. They will identify and analyze alternative hull forms that hold the potential to improve special operations capabilities, including Mammal and Diver Insertion/Extraction operations of the Very Shallow Water Mine Counter Measures forces (VSW MCM). LRG is prepared to integrate into the new design lift/drag ratio enhancing and shock mitigating devices. The lift/drag ratio enhancing devices could be a set of low profile retractable semi-lift hydrofoils. Because the craft envisioned would be highly focused in design, the larger commercial potential is in high speed personnel transport, like commuting to offshore rigs, a comfortable crossing from Miami to Bimini, or a ferry trip from Seattle to Victoria B.C. Benefits Littoral Research Group L.L.C. (LRG) anticipates extending the design developments of the 11-meter RIBs hull geometry to the commercial market segment. Because the craft envisioned would be highly focused in design, the larger commercial potential is in high speed personnel transport to the offshore rigs, a comfortable crossing from Miami to Bimini, or a ferry trip from Seattle to Victoria B.C. Currently the Navy is developing a fleet of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) in the support of the Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) mandate. This fleet is being developed from the 7-meter and 11-meter RIB platforms because they have shown the capability to support such operations as mine countermeasures, amphibious warfare support,communi- cation relay with UUVs, and a significant number of other functions. LRG views the research, development, and deployment of the 11-meter RIB as a large step toward a fully autonomous fleet capable of patrol, mine counter measures, communications, and amphibious warfare support. Beginning in the year 2006, marine diesel engines over 37-kW will be required to meet new clean air standards. Recreational marine engines contribute to ozone formation and high PM (particulate matter) levels, especially in marinas, which are often located in areas with air-quality problems. The use of the new hull design technology to assist in meeting the new standards will have a profound positive effect on the air quality in our marinas and National Parks. Keywords High Lift Planing Hull Forms, High Speed Planing, Semi-Lift , Shock Mitigation, Semi-Planing, Hydrodynamic
