Expendable Ship Launched Sensor

The proliferation of tube-launched drones capable of a variety of payloads and missions enables low-cost, rapid response capability for surveillance and reconnaissance. Many of the existing systems are well adapted to land and air launch but have not been widely accepted in naval applications. Part of the reason is the lack of a common, modular launcher with the ability to adapt to multiple drone systems without significant modifications to the launcher and ship platform. Corvid Technologies proposes to design an adaptable launch system that is easily tailorable to a range of different payload geometries, masses, and launch requirements. The system will be sized to fit in the existing footprint of the Mk 53 Nulka DLS. Corvid will leverage and adapt proven concepts and methodologies from a previous launcher system work to minimize risk and provide the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with a robust design. In Phase I of the proposed effort, we will use our proven design methodologies and numerical tools as well as our in-house high-performance computing (HPC) facility, to produce a launch system design and demonstrate its performance in launching a set of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) via modeling and simulation. The Altius 700 surveillance system, for which Corvid has access to computer-aided design (CAD), will serve as the initial payload used in this analysis work, and from the initial concept, the full space of compatible vehicle size and weight will be explored. Approved for Public Release | 23-MDA-11635 (9 Nov 23)