Connector Concepts

ONR, in support of United States Marine Corps (USMC) technology requirements, and Headquarters USMC, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC CD&I) is interested in obtaining information, concepts, ideas, and currently available and potential technologies that could enhance or enable at-sea transfer and littoral maneuver now and in the future as described in the Expeditionary Force 21 (EF-21) capstone concept. Information on the EF-21 concept is available on the Internet. Visit http://www.mccdc.marines.mil/ef21 to access the document and related information. SPECIFIC INFORMATION OF INTEREST: 1. Current Connector Capabilities and Potential Enhancements. ONR and DC, CD&I are seeking ideas regarding current and potential interface capabilities between current displacement and non-displacement connectors, to include, but not limited to: the Mobile Landing Platform, Joint High Speed Vessel, Improved Navy Lighterage System, Roll-on Roll-off Discharge Facility, Landing Craft Air-Cushion, Army Watercraft Systems (Logistics Support Vessel, LCU 2000, support craft, etc.), and related Multi-National craft and vessels to enable at-sea transfer of personnel, supplies, vehicles, and equipment between sea based platforms, both amphibious ships and strategic sealift shipping, at standoff distances between 30-100 nautical miles (nm) from shore, along with the capability to maneuver between the sea base and the shore. 2. Connector(s) After Next. ONR and DC, CD&I also desire ideas for new concepts and corresponding areas of research that lead to a "family of systems" designed to enhance mobility, interoperability, survivability, and independent operational capabilities to enhance Seabasing and littoral maneuver capabilities as characterized in EF-21, with consideration of the following attributes: A. Connector Next with Heavy Payload Capability 1. Heavier payloads (3 combat loaded USMC main battle tanks). 2. Modular capabilities that accommodate twenty-foot containers and equivalent units (TEU). 3. Increased range to enable standoff distances up to 65-100 nm from the shore. 4. Desired speed of 18-25 knots fully loaded. 5. Employment of amphibious bulk liquid transfer and off-shore petroleum discharge systems over terrain such as marshes and mud flats. 6. Adequate force protection, e.g., self-defense capability, low radar signature. 7. Ability to operate independently from an amphibious ship well-deck for periods of up to 7-10 days while conducting distributed operations. 8. Support at-sea transfer/interoperability for ship-to-shore movement from current and future amphibious warfare ships, MLP, T-AKE, and INLS/RRDF and other sea-based platforms in order to support distributed operations. 9. Connector should be able to operate fully loaded up to a significant wave height of at least 1.25 meters (4.1 feet) [sea state 3] or higher. B. Connector Next High Speed Sled 1. A high speed sled dedicated to transport one Amphibious Combat Vehicle (~40 tons) from ship to shore in the assault wave. 2. Desired speed is maximum possible but no less than 25 knots, fully loaded. 3. Range at least 200 nm (ship to shore and return). 4. Low signature. 5. Inexpensive and lightweight. 6. Ability to transport one twenty-foot ISO container for logistics support after initial assault wave. 7. Provide, as an option, some level of autonomous/unmanned operation during ship to shore and return logistics support missions. 8. Sled should be able to operate fully loaded up to a significant wave height of at least 1.25 meters (4.1 feet) [sea state 3] or higher. 9. Provide a ride stability or motion compensation system for operating in the higher significant wave heights to reduce operator & crew fatigue. 10. Ability to be efficiently stored aboard ship when not in use.