Launch and recovery systems

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JFD has a history of safe launch and recovery operations (LARS) involving submarine rescue vehicles, rescue bells and remotely operated vehicles.

JFD offers a range of both off-the-shelf and bespoke systems to handle submersibles, unmanned vehicles and other equipment. We work with clients to identify solutions for particular requirements, however unique.

The handling of payloads in high sea-states is a difficult and potentially hazardous operation. Specialist knowledge of the design, manufacture and operation of launch and recovery systems is essential when procuring a new launch and recovery system (LARS).

JFD can provide LARS in a number of configurations including: fully integrated, fly-away and diverless. Each carefully balances cost, simplicity of maintenance and operation, and mobilisation time.

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We are able to provide clients with:

Complete launch and recovery systems
Interface adapters
Modifications and upgrades
Through life support

JFD has provided launch and recovery systems for submarine rescue vehicles that can be operated in up to sea-state 5. Recognising that the safe operation of a rescue system relies on much more than just suitable equipment, JFD also provides the necessary training to LARS operators that ensure this level of capability can be achieved. Find out more about training.

An important consideration when looking at LARS is the need for divers to be in the water. JFD is experienced in both diver-led and diverless recovery systems.

For those seeking to upgrade legacy equipment in order to gain cross-compatibility with different systems, or to improve the systems performance with current equipment, JFD can provide the necessary expertise to ensure the upgrades are performed in a timely fashion, whilst maintaining the highest level of system safety possible.

Fully integrated LARS

Permanently installed, yet transferrable
Optimised for reliability and maintainability
Certified for submersible operations
Includes dual-redundant portable hydraulic power pack
Includes rail and trolley system with self-alignment functionality
Includes tow winch
30 tonne safe working load
Operable in sea state 5
60 tonne total weight (excluding power pack)
Integrated diverless LARS
Designed and manufactured in accordance with Lloyd’s Register rules

Fly-away portable handling system

Modular transportable system
Optimised for rapid redeployment by air and road
Certified for submersible operations
Includes dual-redundant portable hydraulic power pack
Includes deck cradle
Includes tow winch
25 tonne safe working load
Operable in 5m significant wave height
40 tonne total weight (excluding power pack)
Optional diverless LARS
Designed and manufactured in accordance with Lloyd’s Register rule

Diverless LARS

Improved safety by eliminating the most dangerous part of the recovery process by removing the need to have personnel in the water
Can be operated in higher sea states than alternative systems
Provides an increased operating window
Must be integrated into both the submarine rescue vehicle and ship recovery systems
System currently in operation in Singapore

LARS for remotely operated vehicles (ROV's)

JFD has many years of experience operating, maintaining and deploying ROV's and their associated LARS.

As the purpose of an intervention ROV system is to augment life-support onboard stricken submarines during the early stage of a rescue, minimising the time to first intervention is of vital importance. JFD considers all aspects of the LARS (A-frame, winch, sheave and powerpack) to provide a balance between portability and capability.

In 2005, JFD mobilised the ROV assets of the UK submarine rescue service to Kamchatka, Russia in order to rescue the seven submariners onboard the AS-28 Priz submersible. Find out more about the rescue.

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Flyer	LARS	LARS R5

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