Gibbs & Cox, Inc. teamed with L3Harris Technologies for the US Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MUSV) Program

Top Naval Architecture CompaniesARLINGTON, Va. – Gibbs & Cox, Inc. congratulates L3Harris Technologies for being awarded the U.S Navy’s MUSV Design and Construction contract. As part of the L3Harris MUSV team, Gibbs & Cox will serve as the ship design agent and engineering plant automation lead on the program.

The contract awarded by the U.S. Navy, includes the design and construction of the prototype lead vehicle with options to provide up to eight additional MUSVs. According to the contract announcement, if all options are exercised, the cumulative value of this contract for the L3Harris MUSV team will be $281 million.

In 2018, Gibbs & Cox founded its Unmanned and Autonomous Programs group in response to the growing need to develop autonomous surface vehicles and their enabling technologies. This specialized capability, combined with our position as the United States’ largest independent Ship Design Agent, makes Gibbs & Cox uniquely positioned to support the L3Harris team with the development and delivery of the MUSV.

“The experience in the autonomous maritime space offered by the combined capabilities of L3Harris and Gibbs & Cox gives the U.S. Navy a capable, low-risk solution for MUSV. We are very glad to be a part of this strong team,” said Chris Deegan, Gibbs & Cox President and Chief Executive.

Fast, 53’ Sport Fisher Takes Shape

After 17 months the finish line is in sight for the latest collaboration between Jim Smith Tournament Boats and DLBA Naval Architects. The two companies have been working on a 53’ Walkaround since March of 2019, and as of July 2020, she is in her final stages of completion and has begun initial sea trials. The team has been exceedingly pleased with the results of this sport fishing boat, designed around a pair of CAT C18 ACERT engines rated at 1,150 hp (858 kw) each. With the design placing the propellers in high-performance tunnels, designed to reduce operational draft without compromising on performance, her final top speed will meet or exceed the predicted speed of 44 knots.

The 53’ Walkaround’s owner requested features unique to this design, including an extra-long cockpit which, combined with her walk-a-round deck, provides more space and results in a superior fishing platform. DLBA Naval Architects and Jim Smith Tournament Boats have incorporated rocker in the hull bottom to dial-in the running trim angle, providing a smooth ride and great fuel economy.

With final touches to come, including the completion of her tower and the installation of her hardtop, the DLBA team is looking forward to feedback from her owner after they spend some time together on the water.

 

53’ Sport Fisher

Gibbs & Cox Selected for Fleet Modernization and Logistics IDIQ

ARLINGTON, Va., August 14, 2020 – Gibbs & Cox, Inc. is pleased to announce our most recent award from our valued customers at The Naval Surface Warfare Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) to provide program management and technical service to support modernization to the US. Army and Navy’s assault craft, submarines, and surface ships. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with The NSWC Philadelphia Division of preforming testing, and refurbishment for in-service assets, as well as fleet support.

As one of the five firms selected for the potential $165M IDIQ contract and the United States’ largest independent ship design agent with 91 years of history, we have a proven record of providing quality support to our customers while being cost effective and reliable. Gibbs & Cox is committed to delivering the highest quality design and engineering products and services to each and every customer, every single time.

Our Philadelphia Navy Yard office emphasizes client relationships by making ourselves available for onsite support and delivering quality results. G&C, along with our teammates, have collaborated with NSWCPD for years, and the recognition of this trusted partnership with an award makes G&C honored to be a valued member of the NSWC Philadelphia Division’s Code 442 technical team.

The Gentleman’s Sportfishing Yacht

A new design is floating on the drawing boards at DLBA Naval Architects!  A combination of classic lines and modern style, the 64 Gentleman’s Sportfishing Yacht (GSY) screams classic cruiser while also providing a serious fishing platform.  This is a custom design and build specifically intended to provide a new take on the traditional sportfish layouts.

Propulsion options range from standard inclined shafts to pods and can even can include waterjets – all driven by the latest diesel technology from all major engine suppliers.  Operational draft is always a consideration and can be minimized using waterjets, although the inclined shaft version is offered with propeller tunnels to support running in skinny water.

The GSY provides top speeds approaching 50 knots and promises a soft dry ride with nimble and predictable handling.  DLBA’s long history of world class sportfishing hull designs shines through striking that balance of a performance fishing machine with soft edges in just the right places.  Whether you’re talking flat out speed when it’s slick calm, or superior ride quality when it’s snotty, this platform provides both in a smart, efficient package.

Flexibility with interior layout allows for owner customization to his or her tastes.  Exterior spaces include an open helm feel while providing cover from the elements, an expansive mezzanine area, and a large cockpit allowing for serious angling or not so serious sun worshipping.

Systems will include the latest technology including gyro stabilization, top line electronics and navigation, and the coolest A/V and media setups – all to meet the owner’s specific requirements.  Multiple stateroom and head arrangements are available.

The design is an extension of the current trend of mid-size express walkarounds for both sportfish and cruising yachts.  Meant to provide style and performance, the Gentleman’s Sportfish hits the mark.

Thoroughbred Boat Co. Building an Instant Classic

An exciting project which DLBA worked on for the Thoroughbred Boat Co. is nearing completion. The DLBA team created the vessel’s structural design and supported the development of the hull form for this updated take on the classic gentleman’s runabout.

DLBA worked with the Thoroughbred Team to refine the running surfaces, propulsion system, weight and balance to  optimize dynamic trim angle at speed, as well as support the development of the  overall craft structure.

The deck and hull molds as well as underwater running gear of the Thoroughbred Boat Co.’s project U-23 have all been completed, while Thoroughbred is now entering the process of fine-tuning the interior styling of this modern classic.

Designed with the recreational boating enthusiast in mind, the U-23 has the elegant lines of vintage powerboats and lake boat enthusiasts will recognize the iconic rumble of a powerful inboard engine.

Upcoming variants of the model will have a V-drive with a different arrangement, deck and helm configuration, with Thoroughbred estimating the first hull will go into build in late June/early July as virus restrictions lift.

Thoroughbred Boat Co.’s project U-23

Four Decades Later, the Gibbs & Cox Frigate Legacy Continues

The G&C designed FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry, now part of allied fleets all over the globe
The G&C designed FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry, now part of allied fleets all over the globe

In 1974, when Gibbs & Cox was awarded the contract to design the FFG-7, it came as evidence of our dedication to providing innovative, quality solutions to our customers. More than 45 years later, as part of the winning Fincantieri Marinette Marine’s FREMM team for FFG(X), we continue to deliver those same results. Our team is excited to have this opportunity to bring the new FFG(X) design to the fleet. With 24 classes of US navy combatants in our design history, we have remained on the cutting edge of technology and maritime innovation. Though many technological changes have occurred since our initial work on the FFG-7, Gibbs & Cox’s dedication to providing innovative quality solutions has never wavered, and our employees and company culture remain the key to our success.

As we begin FFG(X) detail design, we can’t help but reflect on what made the FFG-7 class the backbone of the US Navy for 30+ years. We interviewed several members of our team who began their careers working on the FFG-7 and who are looking forward to supporting the continued legacy. Their experiences and lessons learned from the FFG-7 and dozens of other projects are what set us apart from competition, and the passing of these experiences onto the newest generation of naval architects, designers, and marine engineers is what continues our legacy.

Rendering of the FFG(X), which will deliver the US Navy increased lethality, survivability, and improved capability
Rendering of the FFG(X), which will deliver the US Navy increased lethality, survivability, and improved capability

The FFG-7 design team consisted of highly skilled naval architects and engineers devoted to providing their best work, and we’re excited to bring the same level of expertise and devotion to the new design. Senior Program Manager Ed Topitz, a 46 year Gibbs & Cox employee, attributes much of the success of the FFG-7 program to the willingness of experienced personnel to guide new employees in growing their skills, a culture that remains prevalent within G&C to this day. Senior Principal Marine Engineer Michael Hulser, a 40 year Gibbs & Cox employee was a young engineer when he started on the FFG-7 and fondly recalls the mentorship and experience he gained on the program. He looks forward to “pass[ing] these experiences and knowledge to the current staff in the Engineering and Design Groups to provide a great design for FFG(X).” Principal Marine Engineer Fabian Canaval, another 46 year employee, noted that G&C has had to change to remain competitive in this highly specialized market but attributes our continued success to the company culture of “be[ing] “the best” at what we do.”

G&C Drafting Room, 1942
G&C Drafting Room, 1942

One of the most significant changes from the FFG-7 to the FFG(X) is the evolution of technology, not only in the ships themselves, but also in the design process. When Gibbs & Cox began designing the FFG-7, the architecture and engineering was all done by hand, requiring more in person group collaboration and several iterations of drawings. Assistant Engineering Group Vice Present David Rosenthal, a 36 year employee, gave us a further glimpse into the design technology of the past, saying that “the FFG used a 2D layer design control system using pen/ink on clear drawing sheets that where laid over each other. One sheet had all the structure and foundations, one had the arrangements and the third had the systems. Each system had a different color. All calculations and interference checks where performed manually.” This varies drastically from how we design ships today, and Mr. Hulser commented that we will design and engineer the FFG(X) exclusively with computers, CAD programs, and analysis tools. He noted that “G&C has kept current with these advances to remain competitive and at the forefront of the engineering and design process for the US Navy.”

 Major combatant design contracts are few and far between, and with the support of Gibbs & Cox’s design team the FFG-7 became one of the most successful and survivable classes of ships in the history of the US Navy, a legacy that will continue with the FFG(X). As the nation’s largest independent marine engineering and design firm, we have the resources necessary to provide outstanding service. Our tailored processes allow us to meet the specific needs of shipyard and government clients, and to deliver the best value and solutions to our client. Our designers and engineers are production-focused, applying computer-aided design, engineering, and analysis methods across all technical disciplines, delivering the highest-quality designs while ensuring affordable construction. Our knowledge and processes, honed with decades of customer alignment, ensure that G&C designs meet customer requirements while being cost effective and producible. We will leverage our expertise, past experience from the FFG-7, and our talented team to execute another successful design for the future US Navy Frigate. We have the right team and the right tools to deliver a top-of-the line ship, and all of us at Gibbs & Cox are looking forward to delivering the FFG(X) to the Navy throughout the 21st century.