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

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) are being developed for mine hunting operations to provide more effective mine detection and neutralization at lower risk to than conventional mine hunting methods. Although UUVs show promise, they must be small and highly maneuverable, which limits their range and mission duration. An Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) can carry several mini-UUVs into an area of operations, thereby significantly increasing the on-station time of the UUV by eliminating the requirement to expend power to travel to the operational area. The USV can also provide an on-site station for recharging batteries. Bluefin Robotics Corp. intends to partner with Brooke Ocean Technology Ltd. (BOT) and proposes to develop a system capable of automated launch, recovery, recharging, and data transfer for small UUVs that are deployed from USVs. Bluefin's expertise with UUVs, including mini-UUVs, vehicle guidance and docking systems and BOT's expertise with UUV/USV launch and recovery and automation creates a team that is well qualified to complete this project.