Design Considerations for Autonomous Launch and Recovery of Unmanned Surface Craft

Abstract

Abstract : The accomplishment of Launch and Recovery of Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs)at sea poses new and unique technology development challenges. USV, USV host ship, and USV/host ship interface equipment design are simultaneously evolving and require specialized interfaces. The approach taken to solve these challenges influences the design of both USV and host ship and creates a new category of equipment. The development of technology that addresses the most difficult of these challenges is subject to a wide band of design and development process considerations for the sake of compatibility with USV and host ship. Coupled with these challenges is the need for a high level of craft control and equipment reliability to mitigate risk of damage from at-sea docking. Autonomous Launch and Recovery systems under development should all meet the same general set of safety, reliability and performance criteria and minimize impact to both USV and host ship. This paper identifies some of the unique operational conditions that exist when trying to recover USVs and proposes a set of general Launch and Recovery considerations based upon current at-sea testing being performed by Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division(NSWC CD), Code 23. The goal of this paper will be to provide an Autonomous Launch and Recovery baseline and make recommendations for future USV Autonomous Launch and Recovery development. Lessons learned will influence future designers by providing a more balanced perspective about Autonomous USV Launch and Recovery technology development considerations. This paper is based on technology development work at Naval Surface Warfare Carderock Division, Code 23 funded by the ONR(Code 33)Unmanned Sea Surface Vehicle program.