Lightweight Beaching Ramp for Ships

The Navy is seeking proposals for the development of a durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant beaching ramp for its newly constructed Medium Landing Ships (LSMs). These vessels require robust Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) ramps for amphibious cargo, equipment, and troop movement. Current steel ramps are heavy, prone to corrosion, and suffer from maintenance issues, compromising mission effectiveness. The proposed solution must be at least 13 ft wide and 75 ft long, support a 70-ton vehicle load, articulate from a single hinge point using hydraulics, and be deployable within 30 minutes. It should also have a 30-year lifespan, resist extreme environmental conditions, and feature a non-skid surface. Phase I involves concept development and feasibility testing, Phase II focuses on prototype development and testing, and Phase III aims for transition into Navy use and commercial applications for other RO-RO ships.