Launch and recovery for AUV

The Kongsberg Maritime Launch and Recovery System (LARS) for subsea AUV's enables safe launch, docking and recovery of autonomous underwater vehicles below the water surface, significantly expanding operational weather windows and improving mission availability. Designed for offshore, naval and research applications, the system allows operators to deploy and recover AUVs away from the splash zone, reducing risk to both personnel and equipment. 

Available as ship-integrated, hangar-based or 40-foot containerized solutions, the Subsea AUV LARS combines advanced handling technology, active heave compensation and seamless integration with KONGSBERG AUV systems to deliver efficient and reliable autonomous operations in demanding environments.

Key advantages

• Subsea launch and recovery below the splash zone
• Significantly increased operational weather window
• Improved safety for personnel, vessel and AUV
• Eliminates surface recovery challenges in rough conditions
• Midship, stern, hangar or containerised installation options
• Active heave compensated deployment and recovery
• Integrated docking and capture technology
• Supports multiple AUV operations from a single handling system
• Reduced deck space requirements through flexible installation
• Proven Kongsberg Maritime handling technology
• Suitable for offshore, naval and research vessel applications

Product features

Subsea launch and docking

Unlike conventional AUV launch and recovery methods that occur at the sea surface, the Subsea AUV LARS deploys and recovers vehicles below the waterline using a dedicated docking cradle. This minimizes the impact of waves, vessel motions and adverse weather on both the vehicle and recovery operation. 

Expanded weather window

By performing launch and recovery operations beneath the splash zone and combining this with active heave compensation technology, vessel operators can maintain launch and recovery operations in sea conditions that may exceed the capabilities of conventional surface-based launch systems.

Autonomous docking technology

The system enables communication between the docking cradle and the approaching AUV, allowing the vehicle to locate, approach and dock autonomously before being secured and recovered to the vessel.

Flexible vessel integration

The system can be installed:

• Inside dedicated hangars
• Within ISO containers
• Midship locations
• Stern locations
• Elevated deck positions

The flexibility allows integration into both newbuild and retrofit projects across multiple vessel types.

Multi-AUV capability

The system architecture is designed to support future multi-AUV handling concepts, including storage, deployment, recovery and maintenance functions.

Active heave compensated operations

Active heave compensation during launch and recovery ensures smooth vehicle handling, minimizes dynamic loads and improves operational reliability in changing sea conditions.

Key features

• Compatible with KONGSBERG Hugin AUV
• Subsea launch and recovery below splash zone
• Active Heave Compensated (AHC) operations
• Flexible installation options with aft, over side, and hangar, both deck mounted and containerized
• Multiple AUV handling capabilities by either skidding or lifting
• One person operation with automated sequences
• Remote diagnostics and digital support
• All-electric low emission design