The goal of this SBIR program is to operate large Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from ships other than aircraft carriers. The Navy desires a system capable of recovering fixed-wing, jet-powered UAVs, with a wingspan of 30 feet and weight up to 6000 pounds, from 160 knots-indicated air speed (KIAS). The system must be reconfigurable to accommodate other Group 3 to Group 5 UAVs, with or without landing gear. In addition, the system is desired to recover a UAV at a rapid tempo, without interfering with top-side flight deck operations of the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB). Advanced Technology and Research Corporation (ATR) proposes a Modular Adaptable UAV Recovery System (MAURS), which is based on mature and proven technology components and innovatively integrated into a simple and cost-effective system. The MAURS features a runway that is deployed over the side of the ship at a level midway between the mission deck and flightdeck. There is a built-in recovery rail on the runway equipped with a recovery carriage and passive braking system to decelerate the UAV. The UAV and recovery carriage can be brought onboard for servicing.
