Hull-mount launch and recovery of watercraft

摘要

An apparatus is provided for stowing, launching and recovering an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) on a boat bull, such as applicable to a small unit riverine craft (SURC) in water. The apparatus includes a frame for removably attaching to the hull, a lifter, a hinge, and a boom. The frame includes lateral brackets connected together by transverse braces, and attaches to the hull at cushions. The lifter connects to the frame for elevating the USV between upper and lower positions. The hinge connects to the lifter for pivoting the USV between vertical and horizontal orientations. The boom connects to the hinge for docking and releasing the USV. The USV is stowed in the vertical orientation and the upper position. The USV deploys into the water in the horizontal orientation and the lower position.

主权项

1. An apparatus for stowing, launching and recovering an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) on a boat hull in water, said apparatus comprising:
a frame for removably attaching to the hull, said frame including parallel lateral rail brackets and associated upper and lower transverse braces, said lateral rail brackets providing upper and lower positions in relation to the hull, said transverse braces connecting to the hull; a lift mechanism connecting to said frame along said lateral rail brackets for elevating the USV between said upper and lower positions; a hinge directly connected to said lift mechanism; a boom directly connected to said hinge, wherein said hinge pivots the boom between vertical and horizontal orientations for docking and releasing the USV, wherein the USV is stowed in said vertical orientation and said upper position, and the USV deploys into the water in said horizontal orientation and said lower position.