Compact, lightweight sensor handling system for unmanned vehicles

Unmanned systems are increasingly being used in a broad range of missions in the littorals. To meet mission requirements in a cost effective manner, USVs must deploy a variety of towed subsystems. Each system is designed with unique handling gear for deployment and retrieval. With limited space aboard LCS and high life cycle cost, it is desirable to move towards a small set of common subsystems used by USVs and UUVs to meet critical missions. USVs face a significant challenge in meeting the speed-depth profile for high resolution towed sensors. A lightweight sensor handling system with power to the deployed sensor and bi-directional high data rate communications is contrary to conventional surface platform design principles which use heavy tow cables, heavy depressors, or dynamic-lift depressors to achieve depth. The technology solution that is proposed here is a Propelled Tow Body (PTB) (powered through the tow cable) which achieves depth using forward thrust instead of weight or downward lift. The USV-PTB system will be designed to optimize the speed-depth towing profile while minimizing the motions transmitted from the USV to the sensor. This will be achieved using a unique control system developed by VCT.