GLOBAL AEROSPACE CORPORATION — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N161-023

Description

Imagine a new ship-to-shore fluid transfer system that takes advantage of the small size and fast-deploying features of the Navys Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System (ABLTS), and which adds the operational longevity and security features of a submarine ship-to-shore pipeline. Global Aerospace Corporation, in collaboration with their research partners, proposes to develop a sinking hose system to provide this enhanced capability for the Navys Logistics Over-The-Shore (LOTS) liquid cargo operations. The system will sink when filled with working fluid. The hose system will possess the necessary density for stable operation on the seafloor, up to sea state 4. The new submersible hose system will significantly extend service life and operational availability, enabling cost savings and reduced waste, while also maintaining the expeditionary nature and rapid deployment of ABLTS. From the Navys perspective, our concept looks and behaves like a heavier ABLTS which sinks upon deployment. The floating nature of the current ABLTS greatly reduces its service life and exposes the hose to weather, UV, collision, and sabotage risks. To overcome these weaknesses, our concept will quickly adapt the Navys ABLTS designs for submarine operation.