MARTAC and Sealartec unveil fully autonomous launch and recovery system for USV

Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC) and Sealartec have introduced a new fully autonomous launch and recovery system (ALARS) for unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

MARTAC’s MANTAS T8 (2.5 meters) and T12 (3.6 meters) systems can be autonomously launched and recovered from the Devil Ray T38 (11 meters) USV.

This autonomous capability is crucial for supporting swarming missions and maximizing the potential of unmanned systems in the marine environment. Achieving this with minimal human intervention, even in challenging sea conditions, is key to ensuring efficiency, speed, and consistency, according to the partners.

ALARS enables the launch and recovery of MARTAC’s USVs in up to sea state four, requiring only minimal modifications to the Devil Ray USVs.

Fully integrated with Devil Ray’s control system, ALARS uses Sealartec’s advanced local positioning system (LPS) to track the MANTAS T12’s position during recovery. The companies noted that this ensures precise capture, followed by automated loading and securing onto the Devil Ray T38, allowing it to quickly resume its mission.

Furthermore, ALARS is versatile, with an adjustable cradle that can accommodate different UxV systems for launch and recovery.

“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.  In general, UxVs represent high value payloads because they expand mission possibilities and endurance.,” Bruce Hanson, MARTAC’s CEO, said.

“Combining this ALARS capability with our Advanced AI Autonomy allow us to deploy USVs at scale to perform fully autonomous missions hundred or even thousands of miles away from personnel.”

“We are the leader in the ALARS market and this cutting-edge solution underscores Sealartec’s commitment to redefining operational efficiency and autonomy in the maritime domain.  As the USV market continues to grow, we see these ALARSs as essential in continued adoption and gaining user trust in USVs,” Amitai Peleg, Sealartec’s CEO said.