Sensing and Control Technology to Assist in Vehicle Launch and Recovery

Launch and recovery (L&R) of manned and unmanned systems from ships is very challenging. As Sea State increases, the reliability of most existing L&R systems such as conventional cranes and davits will deteriorates. ATR Corporation developed an innovative L&R system conceptual design during the SBIR Phase I. The L&R system has been analyzed to be feasible to launch and recover both surface craft, such as RHIBs and MK-105 sled, and underwater vehicles, such as the SDV and RMMV from the Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB). In this SBIR Phase II, the L&R system will be further analyzed by seakeeping analysis, dynamics simulation, finite element modeling, and scaled prototype testing in simulated wave environments in up to Sea State 4. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) will be gradually raised to TRL 5/6 at the end of Phase II. With the ability to reliably launch and recover mission vehicles in high sea conditions, the L&R system would have clear benefits for mine warfare and special operations. In addition, the L&R technology developed for the AFSB could have applicability to other ships in the Navy and other organizations both in the military and in industry.