Adaptable Boat Launch and Recovery System

The Navy desires a system on board the Zumwalt Class guided missile destroyers (DDG 1000) to manage the deployment and retrieval of a variety of craft or other assets from the boat bay to the sea and back to expand the capability of the ship class in support the Navys future needs. Current launch and recovery systems for boat bays are designed for specific craft, not allowing for damage-free interface when new or modified craft are developed. According to the SBIR description, detailed interface requirements between craft and launch and recovery systems are not established to prevent craft damage. MAPC will design a concept ABLARS which consists of a main ramp, extendable ramp, and a capture carriage. The main ramp runs the length of the boat bay and is installed parallel to the boat bay deck. The main ramp features keel rollers similar to those found on a commercial boat trailer along the centerline, and bunks on either side of centerline installed on pivoting arms.