Synthesis and analysis of future naval fleets

Abstract The Naval Sea Systems Command conducted an in-house, interdisciplinary study of alternative fleet architectures with a goal of addressing the high cost and extended duration of naval vessel design and construction. This paper describes the approach used and variables studied in the naval architectural and force architecture components of the study, that is, the fleet synthesis and analysis part. The methods and findings of other recent studies in this subject were reviewed, and an approach was developed that includes capabilities requirements, ship design and cost, and quantitative tracking of the long-term evolution of the fleet as ships are introduced and old ones are retired. It was found that procurement cost could be reduced by consolidating ship and system types; however, this initial result is conditioned by significant restrictions placed on the design space. It is recommended that future studies be pursued using this fleet synthesis method with fewer design constraints.