In the last quarter of 2022, we worked with Blue Gulf Cat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), providing them some support in hydrodynamic design of a stepped planning hull. Through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and our high-speed expertise, we were able to provide additional input into their creation of an efficient stepped hull, balancing safety and performance while operating close to the threshold of dynamic instability.

DLBA is proud to have assisted Ocean Aero in the optimization of the new single element wing-sail for the TRITON, the world’s only Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (AUSV). With both general structural design and overall lift performance, DLBA worked with aggressive schedules and geometric requirements to deliver a great improvement in record time using vortex lattice and computational fluid dynamic propriety programs.

Our team had the opportunity to collaborate on the development of the Thoroughbred U-21. We first mentioned the project back in June of 2020, and it’s awesome to see the first one is on the water. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a struggle getting this girl out of the shop and on the water due to both supply chain and labor impacts for this new Michigan builder.

Another exciting DLBA design is coming together as Century Boats continues production on their first 4100 CC. DLBA worked with the Century team to develop the all-new design to very specific requirements. Though called a center console, this boat is much more and offers many features most similar boats do not provide. The design is a great combination of form and function offering up to 1800 hp in multiple engine packages.

DLBA, in partnership with Edinburgh Designs, recently modernized the towing carriage system for Virginia Tech’s (VT) ship model basin. Trade studies for the carriage upgrade started in 2019, and in the spring 2022 term VT students used the new carriage for lab experiments. DLBA’s team is excited to bring this project to a successful completion!

Another collaboration between DLBA and AYD has begun!  The new yacht is to be a nominal 60’ Length Overall (LOA) and will combine both cruising and fishing design cues.

DLBA has once again been selected by NDC of Chesapeake, VA to support them, this time for performing a stability test for the crane barge NDC-160 for the U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection (COI).  This will be the third vessel in the NDC fleet that DLBA has conducted regulatory stability testing for over the past year.

Ritchie Howell is a well-known builder in Wanchese, NC.  DLBA and Ritchie are developing their next collaboration for a current owner who wants a slightly larger boat.  The new 63’ will be a flybridge layout showing off sleek topside shape capturing style consistent with the Ritchie Howell heritage. The hull will be cold molded with Douglas fir bottom stringers providing efficient, but robust reinforcement.  Decks will be of composite fabrication resulting in stiff, but light structure up high.

The combination of the DLBA and Leidos structural engineering capabilities brings significant benefit to our customers and their programs. The Leidos team brings additional composite engineering capability (2 composite structural engineers and a composite manufacturing engineer, formerly of Gurit (USA) Inc.).

DLBA is joining forces with the Jon Duffie, Coleman Walker, Tim Kamas, and the whole Duffie team once again, providing naval architecture and engineering support for a new build.  DLBA provides vetting for the hull form, focusing on efficiency and seakeeping, providing input where warranted.