Fairbanks Morse Defense and Vestdavit unveil

Fairbanks Morse Defense and Vestdavit have unveiled AutoHook, an automated connector for launch and recovery systems. According to a report from Fairbanks Morse Defense, the system aims to make unmanned surface vessel operations from motherships safer, faster, and less reliant on personnel during demanding at-sea conditions.

The growth of unmanned maritime technology has exposed a handling gap. Existing recovery methods often involve manual hook connections, divers, heavy cages, stern ramps, or complex cranes. These approaches can expose personnel to moving equipment and suspended loads. They may also add significant weight or require costly structural modifications to a vessel. For many operators, this recovery challenge is a practical barrier to adopting or expanding unmanned capabilities.

System Design and Operation

AutoHook is a lightweight automated connector designed to create a ship-to-craft lifting link with minimal crew involvement. It integrates a vision system, controlled tracking, and onboard air thrusters to locate, follow, and align with a lifting receptacle on a moving craft below. Once positioned, it engages and confirms the connection to the davit operator, removing the need for a person in the USV to manually attach the hook.

The system is built for integration with davit-based arrangements, aiming for limited additional weight and installation impact. Its compact design is intended for both newbuild and retrofit projects, including integration with existing davits. This offers a potential alternative to requiring a dedicated stern ramp or an extensive vessel redesign.

During launch, the craft is secured to the lifting wire and a painter line as the davit lowers it. After water contact, the craft stabilizes. The operator then commands AutoHook to release the lifting connection, followed by the painter line, freeing the USV.

Recovery is more complex. As the USV approaches, AutoHook activates its vision system to search for the lifting receptacle. Vestdavit’s Floating Catching Device can establish a stabilizing painter-line connection. AutoHook then tracks the target, using thrusters to align the connector as the wire is lowered. It engages the craft's lifting point, confirms the connection, and displays the status for the operator to hoist the craft.

Safety and Development Path

Safety is a central claim for the AutoHook concept. Conventional operations can place personnel near moving vessels and heavy equipment, with risk increasing in poor weather. By automating the connection, the companies state AutoHook reduces workload and personnel exposure while building on proven davit principles.

The system has progressed from proof of concept into industrialisation and testing. Simulation models assess combined ship and USV motion to verify hardware and software. Iterative testing and sea trials have guided the design towards operation in Sea State 4.

Open-water operation of an industrialised prototype from a naval vessel with professional crews is planned for Q4 2026. This is described as an important milestone. Beta testing and collaboration with selected customers will continue to inform development towards production.

A Platform for Future Operations

Rolf Andreas Wigand, Fairbanks Morse Defense Managing Director of Davits, linked the system to future capability. "This innovation developed by Vestdavit, a leading provider of bespoke davits and lifesaving solutions, strengthens our established position within launch and recovery technology," Wigand said. He stated its adaptable design could support collaboration with ship designers, USV manufacturers, naval organisations, and commercial operators.

The companies position AutoHook as an enabling technology. It aims to close the gap between autonomous mission execution and a recovery process that may still depend on hazardous manual connections. By combining automated vision with davit-based handling, it seeks to support safer operations and a practical path toward greater automation at sea.