Concept for New Class of NOAA Ships
The table below compares the legacy fleet with the new Fishery Survey Vessels presently being constructed and the proposed NOAA Survey Vessels (NSV). Details on the NSV capabilities are not available because the NSV is at the concept stage. The concept has the potential, using available technology and with some consolidation of misShip Dimension Mission Focus Legacy Ships Single purpose ship
sion profiles, to improve the quality and quantity of data collected on any one mission. The acquisition objective for the NSV is to ensure NOAA's ability to perform all of its multiple data collection and monitoring missions can be executed with optimal effectiveness and minimal ownership costs throughout its life. This capability is unavailNew Fishery Survey Vessels Dedicated fisheries ship; potential for multi-mission capability, but limited space to expand. Proposed NOAA Survey Vessel Multiple mission capability; designed for primary mission but capable of meeting other mission data collection meeting other mission data collection requirements
24/7 operations
Sails 24/7, but does not always conduct data collection 24/7
Sails 24/7, but does not always conduct data collection 24/7
Would conduct multiple missions each day, 24/7, on a not-to-interfere basis with priority mission focus for voyage
Plug & Play Capability to adjust mission
Dedicated mission ship without ability to change ship configuration to perform significantly different missions.
Dedicated mission ship without the ability to change ship configuration to perform significantly different missions.
Ability to swap out a shipping container much like those used on container ships; each self-contained unit would have the tools and capability to support a dedicated mission Mission equipment would be the same across the class of ships, address the breadth and flexibility of mission requirements defined for multi-mission ship.
Mission Equipment
Except for T-AGOS class Navy ships, all ships are one-ofa-kind; mission equipment varies between all ships
Mission equipment is the same, somewhat more capable than the legacy ships, but has a mission focus.
AUV, ROV, and UAS handling and maintenance capability
Only if legacy was built for the capability.
Limited AUV handling capability; little to no maintenance support capability
Deck handling equipment that could launch and retrieve vehicles; dedicated maintenance support space with ability to swap out sensor modules for added mission flexibility.
Simplify Logistics Support
Designed for lowest cost acquisition; one-of-a-kind ships negate value of common equipment for parts, maintenance, troubleshooting and personnel training. Designed for lowest acquisition cost
Commonality of class to limited extent; acquisition strategy allowed for the interchange of major machinery between ships.
Acquisition strategy will require all ships to be built with latest version of same equipment and machinery;
Design Cost Strategy
Designed with limited lifecycle cost considerations; primarily bought as much as could be afforded without consideration for life cycle costs.
Design for Total Ownership Costs, to include acquisition, operations and maintenance, and disposal costs.
Common Platform Configuration to address some quality of life issues
One-of-a-kind ships limits ability to backfill vacancies or rotate crews during long deployments
Some commonality; ship crew rotation possible, but some differences in ship configurations are being delivered within class.
Crew rotation possible on similarly configured vessels; addresses quality of life issues for long deployments through crew rotation.
32 MTR
November/December 2008
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