HII’s REMUS unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) can now be launched and recovered from ships entirely autonomously, thanks to the new Sea Launcher system.
Measuring 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and 2 feet (0.61 meters) wide, the device weighs 800 pounds (363 kilograms) without the UUV onboard.
Its strong-back aluminum base frame is reinforced with carbon fiber, paired with a carbon fiber recovery cradle that features soft support rails to protect the vehicle.
A two-piece carbon fiber lever arm with adjustable length and a billet aluminum pivot block with composite bearings give the system the flexibility to handle different UUVs.
For launch and recovery, a motor and screw mechanism can manage loads up to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kilograms).
Docking is guided by a Line Guide or Docking Head with a modular base, letting components be replaced or adjusted without affecting the rest of the system.
Recent Demo
HII recently tested the Sea Launcher using vehicles configured for realistic mission conditions. It followed a recovery process routinely used by the US Navy.
The system successfully managed the entire mission cycle — from deployment to retrieval — without any manual intervention.
By automating launch and recovery, the tool reduces risk to crews, shortens time on deck, and allows ships to operate more safely in rough seas or higher-risk environments.
“This is proven technology applied in a highly relevant shipboard configuration,” said Duane Fotheringham, President of HII’s Mission Technologies Unmanned Systems division.
“What this demonstration shows is how seamlessly that capability integrates with automated launch and recovery systems onboard manned or unmanned vessels to support modern maritime operations.”
