MILITARY VESSELS

Navy RAC
Quieting a boat may be of strategic importance for communicating information vital to the successful navigation through hostile waters or to escape detection by hostile vessels. This navy RAC (Riverine Assault Craft) was designed in the early 90's as a fast, lightweight attack craft with little attention paid to noise. The onboard noise levels blocked voice communication and limited detection of noises off the vessel. These sound levels exceeded the current requirements for the Navy Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC). J&A determined that solutions could be implemented with minimal impact on vessel weight or performance. J&A recommended modifying the existing exhaust box with its patented "Dual Lift" outlet pipe. The total package of noise control applications recommended by J&A brought all crew spaces below the level for mandatory hearing protection and reduced the distance for aural detection by approximately 50%.