A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an
unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to
transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable
sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an
elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with
motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV
between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably
connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism
connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the
hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer
assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV
to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations.