PATROL VESSELS
Northrop Grumman and ACB develop riverine demonstrator
W
ITH the US Navy planning a major programme to recapitalise its riverine force
elements, Northrop Grumman and Aluminum Chambered Boats Inc (ACB) have joined forces to design and build a riverine craft technology demonstrator that combines Northrop Grumman’s navigation, surveillance, network, and command and control systems with an ACB-designed riverine hullform. A solicitation released by the US Naval Sea
Systems Command last year articulated the need for a new Riverine Assault Support System to ‘expand upon current capabilities for riverine operations and logistics support by proposing applications of new technologies, aimed at extending the present operational state of the art for riverine craft operations.’ Pointing out that the current inventory of
riverine-capable craft ‘is limited in its ability to operate in anticipated threat environments with an appropriate mix of speed, payload, and crew/ vessel survivability,’ it added that ‘lessons learned from operational experience illuminate a potential capability gap, centered on the need for riverine- capable craft with enhanced survivability/armament suites to counter anticipated threats, modular C4ISR capabilities (including transport, operation, recovery, and maintenance of Unmanned Vehicles), and unit-level Logistics support functions.’ Northrop Grumman and ACB signed a
memorandum of understanding in late 2006 to explore future combat system requirements and capabilities for the US Navy’s projected Riverine/ Coastal Warfare programme. According to Northrop Grumman, the co-operation is designed to integrate riverine forces into the US Navy’s fleetwide FORCEnet network-centric warfare architecture. ACB is an aluminium boat builder based in
Bellingham, Washington. The company provides aluminium craft to a wide range of government, commercial, and recreational customers. The boat being used as the basis for the jointly-
funded Riverine Demonstrator is a ramped 40ft 10in (12.4m) multi-mission aluminium watercraft with a low draft (26in) and capable of negotiating Class 5 rapids. Due to have been launched in April 2007, it is
scheduled to participate in the Multi-agency Craft Conference in-water demonstrations at the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2007. According to ACB, the Riverine Demonstrator
will be seaworthy to a minimum of Sea State 5. Twin Cummins QSC 8.3 Quantum engines, using JP8 fuel, power two Ultra Dynamics UltraJet 340 waterjets via ZF Marine ZF 305 transmission for a maximum speed of 39knots. The craft will typically embark a crew of four,
two observers, and up to 13 passengers. The forward deck area has capacity for loads of up to 7500lb, with capacity for a further 2500lb on the aft deck area. Northrop Grumman and ACB have baselined the
demonstration vehicle to incorporate an automated remote weapon station, navigation radar, an electro-optical/infrared turret, an arch-mounted
44 The Riverine Demonstrator will be seaworthy to a minimum of Sea State 5.
Northrop Grumman and ACB signed a memorandum of understanding to explore future combat system requirements and capabilities for the US Navy’s projected Riverine/Coastal Warfare programme.
C4ISR testbed sensor suite, and an extensive communications fit (including a console-mounted internet communications system/wireless intercom with active noise cancellation, IP-enabled HF, VHF and UHF radios, INMARSAT, and provisions for military satcom). Recon Optical and Northrop Grumman’s own Sperry Marine business are supporting the demonstrator initiative. The multi-mission watercraft also features a
distributed open architecture mission processing suite, hosting a network routing capability, sensor processing, and information interfaces. Integrated
mission system operator consoles, configured with 17in night-vision compatible colour displays and keyboard/mouse/joystick operator interfaces, provide situational awareness and battlespace visualisation. According to Northrop Grumman, the riverine
programme should leverage the company’s experience as mission module integrator for the Littoral Combat Ship programme. It particularly identifies the combination of computing and software-defined radio that will bring improved situational awareness ‘up river’.
WARSHIP TECHNOLOGY MAY 2007
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