Automated Launch and Recovery of Un-tethered, Mini-Unmanned Underwater Vehicles from Unmanned Surface Vehicles

The Navy’s Fleet-Class Common Unmanned Surface Vessel (CUSV) demands associated subsystems function with robust reliability and minimal operator intervention in order to operate at peak effectiveness. Mine Warfare’s (MIW) inherently hazardous nature requires particular focus on reducing manning requirements and simplifying operator machine interface (OMI) in order to minimize danger to personnel. By making CUSV MIW-capable with an unmanned Mine Neutralization Vehicle (MNV), the Navy is filling a critical operational need while reducing the risk to sailors. CUSV’s very nature presents an engineering challenge; specifically, how best to reliably and remotely deploy the MNV. Building on previous success remotely launching A-sized sonobuoys from an USV, SEA CORP proposes COTS automotive air bag inflators as the energetics source to release and launch the MNV from its stowed position. Inflators are ideal, cost-effective solutions for applications requiring minimally-sized, power-efficient energetics packages due to high power density, small volume, high reliability, a broad manufacturing base, clean gas output, and strict quality standards. SEA CORP has successfully adapted inflators to restrain and launch projectiles ranging from 2-lb unmanned aerial vehicles to 1000-pound subscale missile shapes for over twenty years by effectively tuning the launch energy to maximize exit velocities and minimize acceleration forces.