N251-037 TITLE: Underwater Launch and Recovery of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV’s)

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Human-Machine Interfaces

OBJECTIVE: Improve Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) launch and recovery capabilities across the fleet by developing a universal approach that can be readily adapted to the existing T-AGS 67 Moon Pool Launch and Recovery System (MLARS) being installed for use by the U.S. Navy.

DESCRIPTION: The Navy seeks to develop a system to recover submerged UUVs so they can be brought aboard using an existing T-AGS 67 MLARS. System development will initially focus on PMS 325 craft, starting with Naval Oceanographic (NAVO) Survey Ship (T-AGS) vessels. Locating and connecting to unmanned vessels below the surface is challenging due to the environmental conditions at depth such as temperature, pressure, visibility, and currents as well as very different surface zone challenges.

The Navy seeks improvement of its UUV recovery capability across the fleet by implementing technology that is deployable from a variety of handling configurations, including ships cranes. Additionally, this SBIR topic aims to reduce the proliferation of specialized UUV recovery systems. A new approach is intended to reduce the need for multiple specialized UUV launch and recovery systems. The proposed system should enable UUV recovery at or below the water’s surface, up to 200 feet below the surface. The technology developed under this topic addresses the critical problem of safety while recovering unmanned vessels back aboard their mother ships in a timely manner.

Many different types of hardware interfaces on UUVs exist. The government is seeking a UUV launch and recovery system that is highly adaptable to various configurations. All UUVs may be outfitted with hardware that provides a connection point to the MLARS strongback. The prototype demonstration should be capable of using a model of the REMUS at 19 feet long and 26 inches in diameter. The moon pool on T-AGS 67 measures 18 feet long x 18 feet wide. Wave tank testing is desired at a recognized test facility. Validate the prototype system during at sea or similar environment testing using the existing MLARS installed on a T-AGS vessel. The transition target would include all Navy ships outfitted with moon pool or over the side handling equipment large enough to carry, launch, and recover UUVs and Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs).

PHASE I: Develop a proof-of-concept design to address the Objective and the details and requirements provided in the Description. Feasibility will be determined through a computer simulation of the solution and provide analyses of system features and a concept of operations to assess overall feasibility and risks. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include initial design specifications and capabilities description adequate to build a scaled prototype solution in Phase II.

PHASE II: Develop the Phase I design further and provide additional analyses of key subsystems and components. Build a prototype, including supporting test fixtures, at a scale attainable in Phase II, while still sufficient to validate the system design. Prototype demonstration should be capable of using the model of a Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS (REMUS) UUV as specified by the Navy. Wave tank testing is desired at a recognized test facility. It is also intended that the design of the UUV launch, and recovery system developed under this SBIR topic will be validated during at sea or similar environment testing using the existing MLARS installed on a T-AGS vessel. Develop a preliminary timetable and budget to advance a successful Phase II demonstration of a full-scale prototype.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Assist the Navy in transitioning the technology for Navy use. UUVs are proliferating throughout the fleet and may be used to minimize risks to civilians, naval personnel, and surface ships engaging in high-risk operations. In addition to application through a moon pool, the technology would have application for over the side operations and operations from USV mother ships, Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), and other ships that host USVs. The technology developed under this SBIR topic would also have application to civilian ocean industries such as offshore oil and gas exploration, fisheries, and environmental monitoring.

REFERENCES:

1. Kubota, Taylor. "Stanford’s OceanOneK connects human’s sight and touch to the deep sea.", StanfordReport, 20 July 2022. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2022/07/oceanonek-connects-humans-sight-touch-deep-sea

2. "Neuralink Shows Person with Brain Chip Playing Chess." CNET Highlights, Neuralink Livestream, 21 March 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZJMlT8tj6A

3. Hennessy, Patrick and Colburn, A.D. "How to launch and recover an AUV." Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 16 August 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPR56oLCpMs

KEYWORDS: Unmanned Underwater Vehicle; UUV; Strongback; Mother Ship; Oceanographic Survey Ship; Moon Pool; Launch and Recovery

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