[kach22i]

Article in Macromedia (shows test model photo)
http://publishing.yudu.com/Ab1hd/WTJan08/r...FlashCheck=true

The image in this pdf looks like a full scale mock-up or some clever photoshop of the model made to look full sized. Construction according to the article is not to start until the middle of 2010.

Opinions, comments?
http://www.onr.navy.mil/conferences/scienc...ble%20Craft.pdf

Looks like they got a head start on the real thing. <_<

July 15, 2008
ONR Looking To Demo At-Sea Cargo Transfer Using T-Craft Scale Model
http://www.defensedaily.com/sectors/navy_usmc/3294.html

By Geoff Fein Later this summer, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) is planning on conducting a demonstration of a cargo transfer operation between multiple vessels, using a government designed scale model of the T-Craft (Transformable-Craft), a proposed sea...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jun 20, 2008
General Atomics Designing Hybrid Drive for High Speed Vessel
http://www.ga.com/news.php?read=1&id=155&page=1

Umoe Mandal was one of four competitors during the Phase I ONR effort for the T-Craft conceptual design. GA’s Electromagnetic Systems (EMS) division assisted Umoe during Phase I of the effort to develop alternative propulsion schemes based on hybrid electric drive that could replace the traditional mechanical shaft drive designs. EMS developed several unique designs that provided significant advantages over the mechanical design and eliminated complex gearboxes and difficult, space-consuming shaft alignments. The hybrid electric drive can allow more cargo-carrying space, better ship layouts and easier cargo transfer. .......................

Jim Zgliczynski, EMS Director of Motors, Generators and Navy Integrated Power Systems says, “ONR specifically mentioned the innovative GA hybrid electric drive design as one of the reasons that Umoe was given a high technical evaluation in the selection as one of three competitors to develop the T-Craft in Phase II.” During Phase II, GA EMS will complete the preliminary design of the hybrid electric propulsion drive.

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contr...contractid=3767

Alion Science & Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., is being awarded a $10,180,211 cost plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0003 under previously awarded contract (N00014-07-D-0200) to develop detailed designs of the transformable craft (T-Craft). The goal of the program is to design and build a prototype demonstrator of a T-Craft which can deploy in an unloaded condition (range of 2,500 nm) from the intermediate support base to the sea base and then be used as a sea base connector, transporting wheeled and tracked vehicles through the surf zone and on the beach. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va., and work is expected to be completed Apr. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research Broad Agency Announcement 05-020. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.