To facilitate a series of “far-reaching operational improvements,” Kongsberg Maritime has developed a new Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for its HUGIN range of AUVs.

According to Kongsberg, LARS is a result of a “uniquely integrated combination of advanced in-house technologies” that the Kongsberg Group offers, which have been reinforced with years of accumulated expertise. LARS is expected to operate from midships, with the release and capture of HUGIN marine robots occurring beneath the sea surface.

“There is limitless scope in this new LARS design,” says Bjørn Gjelstad, Marine Robotics R&D manager, Kongsberg Maritime.

“It could of course be installed on newbuilds which are being commissioned by naval forces, where it would aid the deployment of marine robots in the execution of duties ranging from subsea surveying and Search & Rescue to mine detection and clearance.”

Kongsberg notes that launching and recovering AUVs underwater, away from the splash zone, lessens the possibility of damage. Additionally, deployments from midships reduces the likelihood of AUVs being run over by the launch vessel.

With this in mind, the new LARS’ subsea capabilities provide an extra benefit in the launch and recovery processes, which can be conducted in “much higher” sea states. This boosts productivity to deliver significant cost savings, while reducing the risk of weather damage to marine robots.

LARS also provides benefits for crews. When operating from midships, LARS frees up valuable aft deck space, and greatly enhances safety since no personnel will be required to work over the stern in conditions that could be challenging. 

Thanks to the design of LARS, AUVs can be deployed from a hangar or container, and multiple robots may be managed from a single LARS. LARS is flexible in terms of placement, as it can be operated from anywhere on board, including the stern. To accommodate the vessel layout, it may also be installed higher than on the main deck.

For deployment and recovery, the LARS cradle is lowered into the water to a pre-determined depth. It is positioned safely below the splash zone and propeller wash, which enhances the weather window as well as the safety. To stabilize the effect of waves and ship movement, it is heave-compensated.

Once in the water, HUGIN is released to start its mission. During the recovery, the AUV uses the onboard navigation system and a KONGSBERG MicroPAP located in the LARS to find its way home to the cradle. Once nearby, the HUGIN drives itself into the cradle and is locked in before it is lifted out of the water.