Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC), in collaboration with Sealartec, has unveiled a fully autonomous launch & recovery system (ALARS) for unmanned surface vessels (USV).
It supports the autonomous launch and recovery of MARTAC’s MANTAS T8 and T12 USVs from MARTAC’s Devil Ray T38 USV.
The T8 and T12 are 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) long, respectively, while the Devil Ray T38 is 11 meters (36 feet) long.
“Launching this ALARS takes us a step closer to realizing the ability to deploy and autonomously operate USV fleets capable of performing complex missions over large areas,” MARTAC’s CEO Bruce Hanson said.
Autonomous Launch and Recovery System
The ALARS provides launch and recovery of MARTAC USVs in up to sea state four wherein the wave heights are between 1.25 and 2.5 meters (4.10-8.20 feet), considered a moderate sea condition.
It is an add-on system that requires minimal modification.
Fully integrated with Devil Ray’s main control system, it employs Sealartec’s advanced local positioning system (LPS) to identify the MANTAS T12’s position during recovery.
The LPS enables precise and efficient capturing and automated loading and securing of the T12 onto the T38, allowing a quick operation.
Moreover, a modifiable cradle allows the ALARS to launch and recover other vessels as well.
Supports Marine Swarms
Autonomous launch and recovery is considered one of the key requirements for mounting maritime swarming missions.
“Combining this ALARS capability with our Advanced AI Autonomy allows us to deploy USVs at scale to perform fully autonomous missions hundreds or even thousands of miles away from personnel,” Hanson added.
“It is truly autonomous. This ALARS is available now and MARTAC and Sealartac are building out our capacity to scale for 2025.”
