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Moving Vessel Profiler (MVP) is in use aboard the NOAA vessel Thomas Jefferson as part of the Deepwater Horizon Response in the Gulf of Mexico. CLICK HERE to see the NOAA report and video on the NOAA web site.

LARS Brochure
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Related Topics:

CTD Handling Systems
Load Latch
Roller Sheave
Instrumented Metering Sheave
Work Vans
USV Payloads

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Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS)

ODIM Brooke Ocean supplies handling systems for towed bodies, ROVs, AUVs and other payloads. These systems typically incorporate a capture mechanism to control the motion of the payload as it is transferred between the sea and the vessel.

Handling systems can be supplied utilizing either a crane or A-frame. Where feasible, these systems can be integrated on to the base of a standard ISO container.

For AUVs and other payloads which require the attachment of lifting/towing lines, ODIM Brooke Ocean has also developed patented remote latching technology which allows a tow line and lifting cable(s) to be attached to a payload without the requirement to put a person or boat in the water to attach the lines.

The MBARI AUV LARS was developed by ODIM Brooke Ocean for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), for use with their Dorado AUV. This system is now in operation.

ODIM Brooke Ocean's Thales LARS is designed to launch and recover the Bluefin Robotics AUV. This system has been delivered to Thales Geosolutions.

A handling system was recently delivered to the Canadian Navy in conjunction with Hard Suits Inc. This Submarine Pod Posting System was developed to deliver Emergency Life Saving System (ELSS) capsules to the sea floor where they could then be transported to a disabled submarine.

ODIM Brooke Ocean delivered a towed body and a handling system designed to deploy and recover it to the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO). The Sonar Research Projector Handling System was installed on the Ngerin.

ODIM Brooke Ocean's Crane-Based Launch System (CBLS) was designed to deploy and recover the HARDSUIT™ atmospheric diving system. These units were delivered to the Russian Navy.

ODIM Brooke Ocean has provided handling systems for a variety of payloads. An early system was the DOLPHIN Handling System, developed to deploy and recover the DOLPHIN semi-submersible vehicle.

The ORCA Handling System was delivered to the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office to allow them to launch and recover the ORCA semi-submersible vehicle. The system was developed for use on the T-AGS class vessel and has been installed on both the USNS Pathfinder and the USNS Bowditch.

Currently under development is a robotic handling system for untethered payloads such as AUVs. This system consists of a knuckle boom crane and end effector operated with an intuitive controller. The operator will act as the motion compensator and will track and make a direct mechanical connection with the payload in rough seas.