Launch and recovery system

A method for recovering an off-board object by a moving host vessel, wherein the off-board object is either anchored or moving on a course parallel to the host vessel, the method comprising:

• deploying a first side planer from the host vessel, said first side planer tethered to the host vessel by a capture cable;
• deploying a second side planer from the host vessel, said second side planer connected to the capture cable;
• directing the second side planer outboard relative to the host vessel;
• directing the host vessel to intercept the off-board object;
• capturing the off-board object, wherein capture occurs when the off-board object is contacted by the capture cable and drawn towards the host vessel by a stow system;
• positioning the off-board object relative to the host vessel;
• and
• raising the off-board object from the water to a secure position relative to the host vessel.

An apparatus for recovery and launch of an off-board vessel from a host vessel, the host vessel having a greater displacement than the off-board vessel, the off-board vessel including a deployable hook, said hook connected to the off-board vessel by an off-board vessel cable, the apparatus comprising:

• a winch mounted to the host vessel;
• a capture system operably connected to the winch by a capture cable, said capture system including a side planing cradle, said side planing cradle including a docking portion sized to accommodate the off-board vessel and an asymmetric bow that directs the side planing cradle outboard from the host vessel;
• and
• a stow system mounted on the host vessel, said stow system transporting an off-board vessel between the host vessel and the capture system.

An apparatus for recovery and launch of an off-board vessel from a host vessel, the host vessel having a greater displacement than the off-board vessel, the off-board vessel including a deployable hook, said hook connected to the off-board vessel by an off-board vessel cable, the apparatus comprising:

• a winch mounted to the host vessel;
• a capture system operably connected to the winch by a capture cable, said capture system including a first side planer for directing the capture system toward the off-board vessel;
• and
• a stow system mounted on the host vessel, said stow system transporting an off-board vessel between the host vessel and the capture system, wherein the stow system includes a boom for transferring the off-board vessel to the host vessel.

An apparatus for recovery and launch of an off-board vessel from a host vessel, the host vessel having a greater displacement than the off-board vessel, the off-board vessel including a deployable hook, said hook connected to the off-board vessel by an off-board vessel cable, the apparatus comprising:

• a winch mounted to the host vessel;
• a capture system operably connected to the winch by a capture cable, said capture system including a first side planer for directing the capture system toward the off-board vessel;
• and
• a stow system mounted on the host vessel, said stow system transporting an off-board vessel between the host vessel and the capture system, wherein the stow system includes a lifting cradle selectively extendable from an aft end of the host vessel, the lifting cradle including a harness suspending a ramp for holding the off-board vessel.