Advanced Ship/UAV Recovery, Securing and Handling Interface

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) proposes to develop a novel shipboard recovery, securing, and handling interface for the VTUAV and other helicopter systems. This system will be designed to effectively recover the landing UAV without humanintervention. During the Phase I effort, the effectiveness of the automatic guidance and securing systems will be analyzed and demonstrated. Handling and transportation of the aircraft will also be possible without disengaging the securing mechanism.Furthermore, the proposed system will overcome a major deficiency in current systems by requiring the aircraft to be outfitted with only a securing pin in place of 200 lb grappling hook. Use of a single attachment point will allow for the aircraft to beeasily rotated into the wind during takeoffs. Furthermore, the handling system will have a limited logistical burden and can be integrated with little to no modification of the existing ship structure. The proposed system will provide benefits for allshipboard helicopter flight operations. This low-cost, simplistic recovery, securing, and handling system will benefit both military and commercial helicopter operators. The proposed system is especially attractive as a retrofit to current vessels whichhave limited resources or use of helicopters where a more advanced recovery system is economically prohibitive.