Recovery Operations Utilizing a Remotely Controlled Vehicle/Work System

As part of the Navy's extended salvage depth capability R&D Program, a conceptualized Deep Ocean Recovery System (DORS) was simulated by the integration of an unmanned salvage Pontoon Implacement Vehicle (PIV) with a previously developed Work Systems Package (WSP). The integrated system was exercised over a six-week period at San Clemente Island, CA, and successfully performed rigging, attachment, and lift efforts on various recovery targets, culminating with the successful attachment and lift of an F-4 aircraft. A wide variety of novel devices were utilized in the recovery system, including a microprocessor controlled lift module. Results of these tests will be applied to determine the capabilities and specifications of future recovery systems. This paper will present an overview of the testing and results.