Tradeoff analysis model for arsenal ship survivability and sustainability

Abstract

The arsenal ship program is unique and requires examining the possible features of a paradigm shift in ship design. This thesis presents a user-friendly model with which a decision maker can perform tradeoff analyses between adding specific systems and technologies to the arsenal ship or adding the escort services of combatant ships. The goal of the model is to produce configuration alternatives with high arsenal ship survivability subject to a budget constraint. The model also examines operational logistics by predicting the sustainability of forces with specified arsenal ship configurations. As some inputs are necessarily speculative at this stage, the model is formatted parametrically to facilitate easy updating. A balanced arsenal ship design incorporating point defense, stealth, and hardening is the most attractive choice for littoral operations when life cycle costs are considered. The naval component must also be balanced, reinforcing the notion that stealth and staying power are important in an arsenal ship task force containing DDG-51s and SC-21S.