The Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) concept was conceived for the purpose of moving cargo rapidly from a large sealift ship to shore. The Roll-On, Roll-Off Discharge Facility (RRDF) utilizes several INLS modules to provide a stable platform for an LCAC-type craft to land upon. The RRDF, moored alongside a Maritime Force Prepositioning ship, is intended to serve as an interface on which the transfer of cargo from the ship to LCAC shore connectors can rapidly take place. Several full-scale exercises have proven various aspects of this capability. The use of the RRDF will provide tremendous improvements in cargo throughput and safety over the traditional methods requiring entry to an amphibious ship docking well.

The RRDF itself consists of a network of 15 modular barges, with a connector system restraining the network together. Initial seakeeping simulations using the MORA (MOored Response Analysis) suite of multi-body motions analysis, suggests that the design loads in several of the RRDF's side connectors will be exceeded during Sea State 4 in open water operations, even with no cargo aboard. This model test program will first establish the validity of these predictions, then determine if the presence of a large ship hull in close proximity to the RRDF can reduce the magnitude of the wave energy and loads experienced in the RRDF's connectors to acceptable levels.

Model Test goals are to determine if the connector loading values and vessel motions as predicted by MORA are accurate, and validate it as a predictive tool for future work; to determine the effect of the presence of a Sea Lift ship on the Sea State conditions and if the RRDF can be protected in its lee; to determine the allowable envelope of LCAC operations based on RRDF motions in a seaway and to determine of the RRDF can sustain operations in Sea State 4, based on predicted vessel motion and connector loading.