Unmanned Vehicle Launch & Recovery (L&R) for MK VI Patrol Boats

An innovative system called Intuitive Robotic Launch and Recovery System (IRLRS) is proposed to safely launch, recover, and stow two MK 18 Mod 2 UUVs from the MK VI Patrol Boat in sea conditions up to sea state 3 (SS-3). The system will accommodate new UUVs in this family up to 1,200lbs and 15ft in length. Its telescopic arm has a large work space over the side of the boat. It is equipped with an end effector with infrared camera and sensors to safely and intuitively capture UUVs in high sea conditions and in full darkness. The system has a small foot print on the deck and will not block or impact other required missions. The concept of operations (CONOPS) for UUV recovery is carefully formulated to minimize the dynamical loads on the telescopic arm. It will meet or even be lower than the Navy customers’ desired weight and cost limits. The system will be designed to be operated normally by a single operator and, at most, by two. The system is scalable for smaller low freeboard craft.