Stable Platform Module for Ships (Phase II)

This Phase II SBIR proposes development of a stabilized motion platform for shipboard launch and recovery of UAVs on small surface combatants such as the DDG-51 or LCS. The system uses a macro-micro robotic arm to position the launch and recovery platform over the side of the ship and out of turbulence induced by the ship superstructure to provide safe, reliable recovery. The system's motion stabilizing controller allows launch and recovery operations in sea conditions up to sea state five. The proposed development program consists of two main parts: 1) developing a preliminary design for controller and essential mechanical elements of the system by using simulation to assess performance and refine the design, and 2) designing and building a fractional scale version of the mechanical design to perform a demonstration of the controller's ability to hold the platform stable in the presence of simulated ship motion. The proposed program will culminate in a feasibility demonstration: mounted on a rudimentary ship-motion simulator, the scale system will hold a platform fixed in inertial space in the presence of base motion. In the option, the recovery of a mock UAV will be demonstrated with the scale system mounted on a moving host vehicle.