Autonomous Operation of UAVs from USVs Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-055 Topic Title: Autonomous Operation of UAVs from USVs Proposal No.: N051-055-0888 Firm: Accurate Automation Corporation 7001 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 Contact: Chadwick Cox Phone: (423) 894-4646 Web Site: http://www.accurate-automation.com Abstract: Accurate Automation Corporation (AAC) will address the integral operation of a USV with multiple UAVs. Such a system leverages the advantages of both platforms while compensating for the limitations of each. The USV provides range and endurance, deploying the UAVs across a long distance or after long periods on station. The USV also provides sensor coverage of the underwater environment, of which a UAV has a limited view. The UAVs extend the USV's sight over the horizon and provide additional communications range. AAC has outlined an innovative concept for stowing, launching, recovering, refueling, and then relaunching or restowing, multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). This concept is identified as the Automated Launch and Recovery System (ALaRS) and it is based upon an Autonomous Ball Catch (ABC). Benefits: There are applications of the technology in many agencies and industries that require security from the air and from the water. Civilian industries with vulnerabilities to sabotage from water also have a need for the ALaRS. AAC plans to apply this technology to the SENTINEL program. Return