Inflatable Multi-Platform Recovery System

The objective of the completed Phase I effort was to develop a highly compact and lightweight, rapidly deployable, inflatable sled to facilitate the high-speed surface tow of a disabled undersea vehicle. Currently, no man-portable solution exists. The driving mission requirements for the inflatable sled are a weight objective of 150 lb and a stowage objective of 24 in24 in36 in. Realizing that the success of such an inflatable configuration hinges on the use of ultra-lightweight material, Navatek developed, fabricated, and lab tested an ultra-lightweight drop-stitch panel as the recommended solution to configure an inflatable sled. This proposed Phase II Base effort is a continuation of the Phase I effort which culminated with the preliminary design of the inflatable sled utilizing our ultra-lightweight drop-stitch solution. The Phase II Base will refine and complete the design to produce two prototype sleds; each undergoing testing at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). The Option 1 effort includes a third iteration to produce a highly refined design, followed by fabrication of a final sled with the focus on the interoperability to ensure dual use capability on the SEAL Delivery Vehicle and the Shallow Water Combat Submersible.