Sep 28 2006
The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has awarded Goodrich Corporation a contract to continue its concept development work on a composite Fan Propulsor Assembly (FPA) for a new amphibious craft -- the Joint Maritime Assault Connector (JMAC). Goodrich is developing a composite material design for the JMAC's FPA. The FPA houses the fan blades which together form a duct fan that provides thrust and directional control for the amphibious craft.
"We are very pleased to have been selected to continue development of a significant component on a platform that is essential to the navy's sea basing strategic initiative," stated Ed Hart, President of Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products division. "This opportunity allows us to leverage technical expertise across Goodrich's portfolio of businesses to further benefit our customer," he continued.
Goodrich's research and development efforts span design support and material technologies from its Aerostructures and Sensors and Integrated Systems divisions. Goodrich's composite FPA will be significantly lighter in weight than the existing metallic design while still meeting stringent structural load requirements as well as a projected 33-year service life. The weight reduction will help increase the JMAC's range, payload and speed and reduce fuel consumption. The composite design will also require less maintenance than a metal-based equivalent.
Based upon the positive performance results derived from the analysis conducted on its conceptual design and feedback received from NAVSEA during the phase one concept design study, Goodrich was awarded this follow-on contract for phase two, which consists of further development of the FPA to a preliminary design that includes production of scaled prototypes. The navy currently is conducting studies and intends to apply this new technology to the JMAC which will replace its current Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicle.