The High-Speed Navy: Vessel Motion Influences on Human Performance

This paper presents the recent results from an ongoing analysis of the effects of high-speed naval operations on the performance, comfort, and safety of crew and passengers. A 127-m trimaran, the Benchijigua Express, which is similar in hull design to the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) vessel, was investigated for motion-induced interruptions, motion sickness, and biodynamic feed-through to manual tasks. Data were obtained on two 2-hour transits per day for a total of 86 transits during February and March 2006. Survey questionnaires were obtained from nearly 2,000 passengers. The motion effects on manual dexterity were negligible, but motion sickness symptoms were reported by a majority of the passengers. The capability to manage the motion sickness issue for unadapted passengers may be important for the effective use of LCS to transport ground combatants and for Sea Basing concepts.