Apparatus and method for deploying, recovering, servicing, and operating an autonomous underwater vehicle

US6189476A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Coflexip, SA · FR

Inventors

• Andrew M. Watt · North Palm Beach, US
• Allen F. Leatt · Tequesta, US
• Calum MacKinnon · Aberdeen, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 20, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 20, 2001
• Expiry date: Sep 20, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

An apparatus and methods for deploying, recovering, and servicing an AUV are disclosed. The apparatus includes a linelatch system that is made up of a tether management system connected to a flying latch vehicle by a tether. The linelatch system can be connected to a surface vessel by an umbilical on one end and to an AUV on the other end. In addition to providing a mechanical connection, between the AUV and a surface vessel, the linelatch system can also carry power and data between the surface vessel (i.e., through the umbilical) and the AUV.