Sealift Overhead Rapid Delivery System Concept

Abstract

The logistics support of any military operation demands rapid and continuous delivery of equipment, munitions, and supplies. A small portion of this cargo is delivered by air, but the majority arrives by sea. Many of the sealift vessels currently used by the military are non-self-sustaining containerships and roll-on/roll-off vessels. The use of such vessels can encounter serious obstacles when the necessary cargo-handling equipment and facilities are either damaged or not present. This problem is further compounded in sea states of three [wave height of 1.5 to 3.6 m (5 to 12 ft)] and higher. The system presented outlines a cost-sensitive solution to the problem described above. The Sealift Overhead Rapid Delivery System (SORDS) represents a viable concept worthy of further study because it uses existing technologies and approaches the problem from a systems perspective. In addition, SORDS could be incorporated into the Department of Defense’s Rapid Deployment Concept or Maritime Prepositioning Force.