Concept Exploration of a Surface Effect Patrol Combatant Using a Multiobjective Synthesis Model

This paper demonstrates a concept design methodology for naval SESs that is adapted from modern surface combatant optimization techniques. Similar to current methods, a synthesis model is constructed that uses a variety of discrete and continuous input values to calculate ship characteristics and performance data. The model outputs are generated using a combination of first-principles and exact 3D geometry along with parametrics aggregated from conventional monohulls and SES historical data. A specifically formulated multiobjective genetic algorithm is integrated with the model. The algorithm explores the highly nonlinear and non-convex SES objective space to identify non-dominated design variants. The synthesis model and the associated design space for a patrol boat with a novel SES hullform is detailed. Tradeoffs are evaluated in objective criteria of cost and performance in high-speed littoral operations that include surveillance, reconnaissance, and surface warfare.