Deployment and retrieval methods for AUVs

A method of deploying autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the method comprising:

• loading the AUVs into a deployment device;
• submerging the deployment device containing the AUVs after the AUVs have been loaded into the deployment device;
• towing the submerged deployment device containing the AUVs with a surface vessel;
• deploying the AUVs from the submerged deployment device as it is towed by the surface vessel;
• and
• operating a thruster of each AUV after it has been deployed so that it moves away from the submerged deployment device;
• wherein the towing motion causes a flow of water through a deployment channel of the device, and this flow generates a motive force which assists in ejecting the AUV out of the device.

A method of retrieving autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), the method comprising:

• towing a submerged retrieval device with a surface vessel, the submerged retrieval device comprising a retrieval funnel;
• loading the AUVs into the submerged retrieval device as it is towed by the surface vessel, wherein the AUVs are loaded into the retrieval funnel of the submerged retrieval device as it is towed by the surface vessel;
• and
• after the AUVs have been loaded into the submerged retrieval device, lifting the submerged retrieval device containing the AUVs out of the water and onto the surface vessel.