Dstl tests autonomous launch and recovery system
The X-LARS trial USV in the autonomous Launch and Recovery System (LARS) cradle. (Photo: Dstl/ Crown Copyright)
Solving launch and recovery issues is crucial to making USVs feasible operational assets.
The UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has developed and tested a concept for an autonomous launch and recovery system (LARS) that can receive USVs in a cradle.
The autonomous LARS is designed to negate the need to put human operators onto USVs to enable their launch and recovery.
Shephard understands that the goal of the development is to allow the RN to deploy and recover boats, such as USVs, with as minimal human input as possible.
Launching and recovering boats traditionally requires multiple crew members and a person onboard a vessel.
For USVs, this means sometimes launching another boat,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
