This study proposes novel flexible and expandable information infrastructure that integrates a grid of active Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) geospatial/area nodes communicating with microsatellites and networks of a/pRFID devices (labels, tags, buttons, etc.) with linkages into modernized legacy systems and rests on the constellation of satellites, joint logistics vessel(s), mobile autonomous systems, flexible engineering systems, and agile and reconfigurable structures for real-time command and control of the naval logistics, operational readiness, and expeditionary force sustainment and protection. The Navy Logistics Information Infrastructure (NLII) pursues the focused logistics for shared activities “to include conduct physical inventory, deliver property and forces, perform budgeting, and manage receipt and acceptance.” In addition, the proposed “Solution” encompasses information infrastructures for the Navy expeditionary logistics, expeditionary combat readiness, autonomous logistics, maritime security surveillance, continuous asset visibility and movements optimization, and medical support. “Solution” employs the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) Loop methodology for simulation and optimization of the battlespace, security, preparedness, readiness and intelligence scenarios. The NLII “Solution” will be deployed in 43 months at the estimated cost of US$636M in constant dollars; return on investment (ROI) coefficient of 7:1. The “Expeditionary Combat Information Infrastructure” pilot can be delivered in 22 months at the estimated cost of US$303M.
This paper addresses the use of energy storage and high-speed power generation to support high power loads and at the same time reduce fuel consumption of DDG51 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. Energy storage can supply pulsed energy loads, and can be used to improve reliability and power quality by stabilizing the grid. It can also serve to improve ship efficiency by acting as an uninterruptible power supply, enabling single generator operation with a single gas turbine operating closer to its peak efficiency, rather than running constantly two generator sets at light load. In case of failure, the energy storage unit provides power for critical loads until a second generator set can be brought online. Based on system modeling, fuel savings projections, and ship integration studies, a flywheel energy storage system was found to be a viable approach to realizing significant fuel savings on the DDG51 ship service generation system. Using a typical load profile, fuel savings in excess of US$1 million per year per ship can be expected. The particular flywheel energy storage system of this study can mitigate system transients and provide up to 10-minute ride-through to enable multiple start attempts on the second gas turbine generator set.
The Department of Defense has established guidelines and processes that have evolved over several decades for its acquisition community to ensure affordability of Navy ship and combat systems. A common challenge within the Navy combat systems cost-estimating community is the ability to utilize many of the guidelines and processes put in place by experienced entities such as the Government Accountability Office and the Naval Center for Cost Analysis because of the evolving environment associated with past, present, and future Navy combat systems. The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed insight on the challenges Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) cost estimators encounter when building cost models and estimates for the Navy. Many challenges include limited program definition because of emerging threats, new technologies, and collection and utilization of data to produce valid and credible estimates. Through combined knowledge, expertise, and evolving practice of incorporating lessons learned, the NSWCDD Cost Group has overcome many cost-estimating challenges. This paper will share the NSWCDD Cost Group's insights with the larger Navy community. Owing to the sensitive nature of cost, no specific estimates or project names are referenced. This paper is philosophical in nature and does not discuss mechanics of cost estimation in detail.
Through many a technical society paper and/or presentation, such as this, future high-power mission loads such as Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Electromagnetic Rail Gun, and Free Electron Laser that will provide capabilities far greater than can be achieved by existing platforms, have been presented. With these high-power and energy mission loads comes the need for next-generation integrated power systems possessing higher voltage distribution systems (AC or DC), compact/power-dense conversion modules, high-speed power-dense power generation modules, energy storage modules, and appropriate supervisory and machinery controls to provide and partition the available power and energy to the right load, with the right power and at the right time. This remains the vision for the “Navy after Next” all-electric warship (AEW). However, “Navy Now” and “Next Navy” platforms have challenges and needs that ongoing investments and advanced developments in power and energy technologies can help to meet. Such challenges include reduced dependency on foreign-supplied fossil fuel, increasing demand for installed ship power, controlling ship procurement and life-cycle costs. This paper will present planned and ongoing efforts that can be aligned to meet these nearer term ship challenges, and at the same time, with an eye on the future power and energy requirements when they materialize, be refocused to enable and support the high-power and energy demands of the AEW.
The growth, complexity, and reliance on software as part of the Department of Defense and Navy (DoD/Navy) warfare systems is continuing to increase. This increase in software complexity and reliance has been accompanied by an increase in software intensive system acquisition cost, schedule, and technical performance failures. The DoD/Navy is not performing as a smart partner with industry to successfully apply the latest software methodologies and technologies to achieve the goal of Open Architecture-based reusable software components, and thereby improve quality and reliability while also reducing cost and schedule overruns. A key enabler for improving software intensive system acquisition is the reconstitution and utilization of government in-house software subject matter experts that can lead and work with industry software engineers as part of an integrated software development team.