CAT 2.09 Launching Ginger

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Launching a 2000-pound AUV is a lot simpler than you might think. The AUV operations team first performs a diagnostic checkout on the vehicles electronics and instruments to insure that all systems are ready for deployment and functioning properly. Once the pre-dive checklist is complete, the AUV is winched out onto the back deck via a set of removable rails onto the LARS, or Launch and Recovery System. The LARS is a portable cradle and A-frame designed specifically for these AUVs and can be mounted on nearly any research vessel. Once the AUV is sitting on the LARS, it is secured into the docking head. The LARS frame then hydraulically lifts the vehicle up and out over the stern of the ship where it can be safely lowered into the water. After being released from the LARS, the AUV is towed behind the ship until we reach our launch point. At that time, a descent weight is sent overboard and the AUV begins its journey of more than 3 miles down to the seafloor. After launch, the operations team has limited communications ability with the vehicle, but they are able to track the vehicles progress via a customized software program that shows the vehicles depth and current direction. Team members rotate throughout each 23-hour sortie to maintain constant observation of the AUVs at depth.

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