USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

David B Segala

Paul V Cavallaro

Richard E Dooley

Michael J Kroger

Robert F Cutler, Iii

Joseph M Muhitch

Kurt M Czepizak

Scott D Boyd

Ryan F Galego

Donald E Cressman

Alyssa A Cosmo

Geoffrey R Moss

Michael E Werbicki

An inflatable launch and recovery system for a towed body is provided. The system is containerized for ease of transport. A container houses a tow body, tow cable, a winch, winch controls, an inflatable ramp, deployment and retrieval equipment, power junctions and air line connections. Inflatable arch shaped tubes and spacer fabric form the ramp structure from which the tow body can be launched and recovered. The ramp can be ballasted to provide hydrodynamic stability and to provide sufficient system depth to accommodate retrieval of towed bodies operating below a liquid medium surface. Additional control can be achieved using inflatable or rigid fin elements or downward lifting surfaces. A rigid clamping fixture connects the ramp structure to the vessel. A snubber element dampens vibrations and transient tow loads.

Inflatable launch and recovery system

Growing community of inventors

Tiverton, RI, United States of America

David B Segala