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“ The need for fast and safe launch and recovery of unmanned surface vehicles, performed by various type of host vessels and operating different hoisting means, at night and rough seas, enhancing the survivability of the host vessel ”
US Navy 2016
There is a need for multi-task vessels that can counter enemy mines, submarines and fast attack craft in littoral waters. These vessels are commonly small, fast, surface combatant and that would use modular “plug-and-fight” mission payload packages, including unmanned vessels.
These multi-task vessels must also be able to perform a host of secondary missions such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime intercept, special operations support, logistics support, mine clearing and homeland defense.
The vessel act as a host vessel to accomplish secondary missions performed through the use of manned or unmanned off-board vessels. For example, the following types of off-board vessels may be used: rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), and unmanned surface vehicles (USV).
These off-board vessels could simultaneously be performing such duties as mine-clearing, reconnaissance and delivering special operations forces to shore. In order for a host vessel to perform these secondary missions, it would be preferable to provide a system that could quickly and efficiently perform launch and recovery activities of multiple types of off-board vessels. In addition, launch and recovery by the host vessel of such vessels must be possible day or night and in a variety of sea conditions.
Safety is a key concern during launch and recovery activities. In rough seas the recovery is further hampered by the vertical change or heave of the respective vessels due to waves. The launch and recovery must be done in such a fashion so as to avoid damage to the off-board vessel as well as the host ship. The act of bringing a smaller vessel on board a larger vessel obviously requires contact. However, colliding with the host vessel or the recovery apparatus, such as a winch, crane cables, or tethers, can damage the surface and underwater vehicles.
One of the greatest dangers involved in the launch or recovery is the discovery by an enemy while the host vessel is vulnerable. Therefore, the launch and recovery of an off-board vessel is preferably arranged while the host vessel is underway.
The method of recovery involves driving the smaller vessel into the floating dock which is connected to the host vessel.
The host vessel can either be stationary or moving at a slower speed than the off-board vessel. This method requires a specially designed floating dock architecture. The smaller vessel must also have sufficient power to propel itself from the water into the floating dock. In addition, a crane or davit must also be included to lift the off-board vessel together as one unit with the floating dock allowing recovery to be performed.
In combat situations, the speed and flexibility of the recovery system is paramount for completion of a successful mission. Other launch and recovery systems require calm seas, zero speed or divers to perform the connection between the lift and off-board vessel and good visibility. In littoral waters, secrecy and speed require the ability to launch and recover while the host vessel is moving. Furthermore, special operations and reconnaissance launches typically occur at night and in rough seas. Accordingly, there is a need for a launch and recovery system that enhances the survivability of the host vessel.
In rough seas the recovery is further hampered by the vertical change or heave of the respective vessels due to waves. The launch and recovery must be done in such a fashion so as to avoid damage to the off-board vessel as well as the host ship.
Therefore, there is a need for a launch and recovery system that can be performed while the ship is at speed and under severe weather conditions. Obviously, space is at a premium aboard a ship therefore there is also a need to minimize the footprint of the launch and recovery system aboard a ship.
The solution:
RC Dock systems created a universal and low-cost launch and recovery system that is especially built for USV’s. The system is flexible and is also suitable for other vessels like RIBs and FRCs. This self-floating dock can be operated with any standard crane or davit, eliminating the need for USV operators to investment in specially-designed davit systems.
The system is of a floating design providing similar sea-following (vertical change) properties allowing the operator by a simple drive-in maneuver to dock his USV in rough seas.
With proven tests at sea it is a major step forward for the deployment of USVs for navy ships. The only low-cost LARS to launch and recover unmanned platforms while at speed in rough seas. For offshore, navy, coastguard and seismic operations.
The key to our design is the existence of sufficient buoyancy ensuring a simultaneous movement of the dock following the same wave patterns as the approaching USV, allowing the operator to enter by a simple drive-in procedure.
One of the greatest dangers involved in the launch or recovery is the discovery by an enemy while the host vessel is vulnerable. Therefore, the launch and recovery of unmanned surface vehicles is preferably arranged while the host vessel is underway.
RC-Dock allows a fast and safe launch and recovery of unmanned surface vehicles, performed by various type of host vessels operating different hoisting means. The system utilizes a minimum of deck space and can be disassembled to fit a 20 or 40 feet ISO container.
In littoral waters, secrecy and speed require the ability to launch and recover while the host vessel is moving. Furthermore, special operations and reconnaissance launches typically occur at night and in rough seas. RC-Dock solutions enhance the survivability of the host vessel