UUV COLLAR - Compliant Open-ended Low-volume Launch and Recovery System

Inflatables fill a growing need for rapidly-deployable structures with low stowage volumes. Navatek proposes to develop an inflatable system with a low stowage volume to demonstrate recovery of UUVs through a 21-inch torpedo tube. Using a combination of drop-stitch and traditional inflatable tubes, the UUV COLLAR (Compliant Open-ended Low-volume Launch and Recovery) system will secure a UUV firmly before release and after capture while remaining compliant enough to not damage the vehicle. This system will combine composite components with inflatables capable of resisting the ~200-pound force generated by the assumed 5 knot cross flow. The proposed system will use water as the inflation medium instead of air to provide adequate stiffness while remaining neutrally buoyant when inflated.Navatek’s experience modeling, simulating, designing, building and testing stiff inflatable structures using low to moderate fill pressures will be essential to this effort. Navatek will leverage previous research in modeling and simulating inflatable structures, coupled inflatable/composite structures, and fluid-structure interactions to develop a design that meets the requirements. Our experience testing inflatable systems, both air-filled and water-filled, at the University of Rhode Island and University of Maine will be critical to the success of this program.