Mission Boat and USV Launch and Recovery System (LARS)

TBV's stern ramp Launch and Recovery System (LARS)

Enabling the safe and effective handling of manned and unmanned mission boats on coast guard and naval vessels, TBV has developed its stern ramp LARS system.

The patented configuration of the system allows for safe cathing and releasing operations in higher sea states, improving mission-readiness and overall operationality of the mother vessels.

This system is manufactured in collaboration with the German company Global Davit GmbH, and is for every project completely designed to serve all the project’s technical and safety related requirements of the project.

Here, all of TBV’s flexibility and engineering capabilities are implemented to adapt the system’s design to the craft, the functionality requirements of the project and other key factors such as sea states, interfaces, maintenance optimization and multi-purpose deck requirements.

The system's technical configuration

It implements a telescopic double outboard rolling frame principle, which is composed of main frame and a landing frame mounted with the buckling unit (frames fitted with horizontal and vertical fenders).

This set of frames is installed on an inclined slipway (approx. 12-14º) that allows for sufficient immersion depth of the landing frame during L&R operations.

During operation, the main frame and landing frame roll back from the slipway simultaneously (movement is powered by one hydraulic main cylinder). At the point both frames have reached their end position, the buckling unit immerses the landing frame horizontally below the water line. This, in combination with the main frame’s end position creates a cradle like situation in which the craft can be safely launched and recovered (without requirement for hazardous human actions).

System customization

For each project, TBV adapts the design and configuration of the system to the specific requirements of the project, among which the adaptation of the shapes and position of the system’s fenders to protect the crafts during operations.

Also, during the engineering phase, TBV developed the interfaces of the system in close collaboration with the shipyard construction the mother vessel (for convenient integration and installation on board).

With its operating principle and technical design, the LARS (among others) allows for:

Complete adaptation to the mission craft it shall handle (or several)

Optimization of interfaces and adapting to the mother vessell

Adapting for functionality higher sea states

Safe and effective L&R operations without hazardous human actions

Optimal through-the-lifetime support and maintenance

Creating a cradle-like situation in the vessel’s wake for controlled and safe L&R operations (even more important for unmanned crafts)

Integration of requirements related to functional rules and regulations

Automated catch and release functions

No downward opening stern door required due to outboard rolling frame construction (cost-saving).

Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) handling

The LARS' configuration allows to safely catch and release bigger and heavier mission boats without requiring human actions, making it the perfect system to handle Unmanned Surface Vessels.

Manned Mission Boat handling

Creating a cradle-like situation behind the mother vessel, the system catches the manned mission boat without requiring direct involvement of the crew, safeguarding them in all operating conditions.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) handling

The system's double-outboard rolling frame and the design of the landing frame are adaptable to handle underwater-type vehicles safely, catching and securing these vehicles in a submerged situation.

The scope of supply

System interface frame (for welding in structure)

Main frame

Landing frame

Buckling unit

Innovative wire rope system powered by one cylinder

Synchronisation cables

Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), fully redundant

Electronic main control box

Deck Control Panels

Specially designed catch hook to be assembled on the mission craft or buckling unit

Wave Measurement System (WMS)

Protective fenders and blocks assembled onto the landing frame

Hydraulically powered stern doors

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the advantages of stern ramp launch and recovery?

The launching and recovering of mission boats and other crafts from the stern of a mother vessel is performed in the wake of the mother vessel, which is with the right heading and speed a safe area for daughter craft handling. Conventional means, handling the craft alongside the vessel, are more subject to hazardous situations created by the waves and require manual means of connecting catch hooks.

2. Why is TBV's LARS more safe and operational?

The LARS' double outboard rolling frame configuration with buckling unit allows the landing frame to immerse partially below water, which in combination with the main frame create a cradle-like situation behind the mother vessel. In this situation, and considering the data on the waves in the stern-wake area behind the mother vessel, the crafts can sail in (or out) safely and catch (or release) themselves wiithout requiring hazardous actions from the crew.

3. How does the LARS protect the crafts it carries?

The system protects the crafts from damages in stowage and during operations by adapting the shapes and locations of all fenders and buffers in the main and landing frames to the shapes, weights and other characteristics of the craft. In addition, the system catches or releases the mission boat or other craft when it is floating outside the mother vessel, by which there is controlled situation in which catching and releasing takes place.

4. How is the LARS integrated in new and existing vessel designs?

The system can be applied both in existing and newly designed vessels. The interfaces of the system are designed in close collaboration between the naval architects or shipyard and TBV. Moreover, the configuration of the LARS can be adapted to the situation, for example by integrating a pivoting base frame that allows for pivot the complete system between its operating and stowing positions.

5. To what sizes and weights can the LARS handle mission boats, USVs and UAVs?

The LARS is applied to handle crafts up to 14 meters in length, with a weight of 12.5tonnes. For lengths and weigths exceeding this, TBV's team reviews the requirements on a case by case basis.