Remote launcher for unmanned water-based deployables

A remote launcher platform for an unmanned water-based deployable, the remote launcher platform comprising:

• an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that includes a deck, wherein the deck includes a water-accessible end;
• and
• a remote launcher onboard the USV, wherein the remote launcher comprises:
• a base frame disposed on the deck;
• a cradle pivotably coupled to the base frame, wherein the cradle includes one or more skids configured to receive and support the unmanned water-based deployable;
• a cradle actuator coupled to the base frame and to the cradle;
• and
• a launch control system that includes:
• a communication interface;
• at least one processor coupled to the communication interface;
• and
• at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the at least one processor, direct the launch control system to:
• receive, via the communication interface, one or more wireless launch signals;
• and
• generate at least one cradle control signal in response to the one or more wireless launch signals to enable the cradle actuator to incline the cradle towards the water-accessible end of the deck.

A remote launch system, comprising:

• a main control platform that includes:
• a first communication interface;
• a first processor coupled to the first communication interface;
• and
• a first memory coupled to the first processor, the first memory having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the first processor, direct the main control platform to:
• generate a launch signal, configured to initiate the remote launch of a unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV);
• transmit the launch signal, via the first communication interface to an air interface;
• and
• a remote launcher platform that includes:
• an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that includes a deck, wherein the deck includes a water-accessible end;
• a remote launcher onboard the USV, wherein the remote launcher comprises:
• a base frame disposed on the deck;
• a cradle pivotably coupled to the base frame, wherein the cradle includes one or more skids configured to receive and support the UUV;
• a cradle actuator coupled to the base frame and to the cradle;
• and
• a launch control system that includes:
• a second communication interface;
• a second processor coupled to the second communication interface;
• and
• a second memory coupled to the second processor, the second memory having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the second processor, direct the launch control system to:
• receive, by the second communication interface, the launch signal on the air interface;
• and
• generate at least one cradle control signal in response to the launch signal to enable the cradle actuator to incline the cradle towards the water-accessible end of the deck at a launch angle large enough to initiate a gravity-assisted transit of the UUV along the one or more skids towards the water-accessible end of the deck and off of the USV.