AUV Launch and Recovery System
Greg Packard (WHOI)
Photo by Schmidt Ocean
Overview
The ability to safely launch and recover autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is a mission-critical aspect of vehicle operations at sea, and the safe launch and recovery of AUVs at sea often become the limiting factors in their use. An effective way to extend operations is to utilize a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) designed to fully constrain the vehicle movement while being transferred from deck to water interface. The Oceanographic Systems Laboratory at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution developed an electro-hydraulic Ship Of Opportunity-Launch and Recovery System (SOO-LARS) to facilitate the safe and effective launch and recovery of REMUS 600 class vehicles from various vessels. The basis of the design of the SOO-LARS is to not only constrain the vehicle’s movement during over-the-side operations but also to be adaptable in regards to integration to supporting vessels. The WHOI SOO-LARS is being utilized to support vehicle survey activities on the NOAA Ship Pisces. This work includes investigating the best method to integrate the SOO-LARS onto the Pisces, design and fabrication of needed adapter fixtures, and utilization of the WHOI REMUS 600 SOO-LARS docking head.
