Innovation in Ship Design: Are We Willing to Risk?

Abstract

During the last five years the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has been studying, developing and revising design alternatives for a major class of mid‐mix surface combatants that will be operating in the surface fleet well into the 21st century. Early tasking directed that design alternatives be investigated to consider innovations, technology developments and cost reduction items while still basing the design on low risk technology. In order to fulfill these directives, comprehensive hull mechanical and electrical (HM & E) technology surveys were conducted. The purpose of these surveys was to identify and assess potential technology developments that could yield acquisition or operational cost reductions or provide significant performance improvements. R & D programs as well as developing technologies in the private sector were reviewed. Numerous trade‐off and design studies were conducted to evaluate concepts. Several of the concepts and developmental systems were incorporated into two different concept design baseline alternatives and presented to higher authority. After initial acceptance of one of the concept design alternatives the subsequent design evolved away from the more innovative concepts to a more conservative design. Many of the concepts initially incorporated into the concept design alternatives are reviewed. However, questions arise such as what risk (if any) is acceptable in the HM & E area for a new major class of ships? What can the designer do to ensure that technological developments affecting HM & E subsystems are exploited to the fullest, yet still minimize risk in the design? An attempt is made to address these questions through the design example presented.