Rapid Requirements Development: How DLBA Delivered a USV Demonstrator 41 Weeks after Contract Execution
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Gibbs & Cox was approached in 2022 by MilTech to deliver innovative unmanned surface vessel technology to the U.S. government quickly, reliably, and cost-effectively. In conjunction with their sponsor, Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL), eight top-level requirements were defined for a prototype low profile vessel to complete logistics support operations in contested environments, exploiting the narco-submarine concept.
The DLBA division of Gibbs & Cox received a signed task order in July 2022 to proceed with design and construction and kicked off a requirements development effort. In parallel to requirements development, the DLBA team explored hull designs and primary arrangement configuration alternatives. Due to the compressed timeline, we focused on high value, low risk design elements rather than a more exhaustive trade space exploration. Keeping the goal of a low cost production hull at the forefront also drove hull forms to simple developable surfaces that could be rapidly prototyped using cold molded hull construction.
Design results were used to validate performance requirements. MCWL and MilTech made decisions quickly based on the design briefs which allowed us to keep forward momentum all the way through the build. The customer valued rapid fielding of a prototype to test its performance and learn lessons for future craft or programs. Weaver Boat Works in Deale, Maryland was selected as the builder and the vessel was trialed and accepted in April of 2023, a total of 41 weeks after the task order was executed. This demonstrated the value of a trusted design agent working on a long leash to accomplish the client’s intent with alacrity. The paradigm shift to perform sufficient analyses to make sure the important aspects were done well enough to meet the requirements with no extra time spent on minutia for the prototype resulted in a rapid first of class design release and delivery. Unencumbered by traditional process, great things can and did happen in a short time.
SPEAKER/PRESENTER
Eric Harris is currently a Project Manager at the DLBA Naval Architects division of Gibbs & Cox, a Leidos company. DLBA is a consultant naval architecture and marine engineering group performing in a wide range of maritime market sectors. Eric graduated as a naval architect and marine engineer from Webb Institute in 2014. He has been with the DLBA team since 2020 and is versed in vessel design, engineering, program management, and construction. Eric is a Professional Engineer and has worked on recreational, commercial, and government vessels up to 250’ long.
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