A Feasibility Study of Air Cushion Vehicle Utilization in Coast Guard Missions.

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA084923 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The subject investigation has studied the feasibility of air cushion vehicle ACV utilization in the performance of Coast Guard missions within the five program areas of Ice Management, Search and Rescue, Aids to Navigation, Marine Environmental Protection and Safety, Security, and Law Enforcement. In order to develop credible operational scenarios, the First and Ninth District operations were examined. the Voyageur ACV, as an existing craft, was compared with the 110 WYTM and the 140 WTGB in the First and Ninth Districts respectively. Effectiveness comparisons between the vehicle systems were made with respect to 12 relevant performance parameters and the potential annual utilization in mission operating hours was estimated for the ACV. the operating strengths of the ACV stem from its high speed, zero draft, and icebreaking capabilities. The weaker areas of the ACV capability relate to its towing bitt pull and endurance characteristics. It is estimated that the annual utilization of the ACV in mission operations is likely to exceed that of the existing Coast Guard cutters. A year around utilization is feasible. Hourly, annual and life cycle costs for the ACV operations have been developed within the study. Author

Author(s):
Decker, James L.
Author Organization(s):
DECKER (J L) POTOMAC MD
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.,
Pagination:
0124

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release, Document Partially Illegible
Distribution Statement:
Availability: Document Partially Illegible.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
USCG-D-25-80
Contract/Grant Number(s):
DOT-CG-933571-A
Monitor Series:
D-25-80
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_5.3.3_Develop Strategy; JCA_5.3.4_Develop Courses of Action; JCA_5.3.5_Analyze Courses of Action; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_3.1.2_Maneuver to Insert
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*AIR CUSHION VEHICLES, *COAST GUARD SHIPS, VELOCITY, THICKNESS, COST EFFECTIVENESS, MANPOWER, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, ICE, MISSIONS, AREA COVERAGE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MULTIPURPOSE, SEARCH AND RESCUE, OPEN WATER, TOWING, ICEBREAKERS, TUGBOATS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Surface Effect Vehicles and Amphibious Vehicles
Keyword(s):
*Coast Guard operations, WYTM vessels, WTGB vessels
Report Date:
1980 Apr 01