Common Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Stern Launch and Recovery System

GLSV Inc. is developing an innovative, modular, adjustable system to launch and recover UUVs from the Freedom and Independence-class LCS ships, using the LCS stern overhead cranes. One common platform will be modular and adjustable to be used on both ships, and will provide fast tempo launch and recovery during Sea State 3 conditions. The L&R platform will be adjustable and adaptable to accommodate a wide variety of UUVs of different sizes and characteristics. GLSV has developed innovative strategies for UUV release and capture mechanisms, and for actuation and control of the platform. GLSV has conducted multi-physics dynamic simulation modeling to establish feasibility of the design performance in sea state conditions, and finite element analysis for preliminary validation of the structural design. The Phase-II effort will continue detailed design and analysis, supplemented by lab test mockups to evaluate subsystems and guide the design effort. The Phase-II effort will culminate in a full scale prototype system that will be delivered to the Navy for field test demonstrations.