MCLEAN, Va., May 29 (UPI) -- Virginia-based Alion Science and Technology has been awarded a phase II contract to support the U.S. Navy's Sea Base Connector Transformable-Craft program.
The phase II, $10.2 million award from the U.S. Office of Naval Research is for Alion to develop a detailed full- and partial-scale model of a design package for the T-Craft program. Officials say an Alion-led team, which includes CDI Marine, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and Marintek, will develop a skirt and lift system and an overland propulsion power distribution system, among other technologies, for an eventual demonstration.
The T-Craft program is a part of the Navy's Seabasing initiative to build floating bases where ground bases can't be established. The T-Craft technologies will be utilized as sea base connectors and transporters of supplies.
"The Alion T-Craft concept is a surface effect ship that is able to transform into a fully cushioned vehicle in order to become amphibious," Ken Siegman, Alion senior vice president, said in a statement.
"This ship will have the capability to go across the ocean and link up with a large logistics ship and transfer roll-on, roll-off cargo vehicles and rolling stock from the ships of the sea base to the T-Craft. We are extremely pleased to continue with this program and look forward to helping the Navy make its Seabasing vision a reality."
