GannetDive LRX

Date: May 2025 – present

Launch & Recovery for Multi-Domain Autonomous Systems

Background

The global demand for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and related systems is increasing across defence, offshore energy, and research sectors. Platforms such as REMUS, Seaber, Saab AUV, and Bluefin are revolutionising subsea operations.

But AUVs are only part of the picture. Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are also critical for missions ranging from hydrographic survey and mine countermeasures to environmental monitoring.

One of the greatest challenges across these domains is safe, efficient, and scalable launch and recovery (L&R)—particularly in harsh, congested, or expeditionary environments. To address this, Ausco developed the GannetDive LRX, a sovereign Australian solution engi-neered to handle AUVs, USVs, and ROVs alike.

Key Features

Mobility: Containerised, rapid deployment from vessels of opportunity, offshore rigs, or shore bases.
Modularity: Configurable for different vehicle classes, shapes, and mission pay-loads.
Scalability: Expands from single to multiple vehicle operations.
Advanced control: Ensures safe recovery in congested or contested waters.
AU sovereign capability: Designed and manufactured in Australia, export-ready.

Challenges

Operators face significant challenges when deploying autonomous and remotely operated systems.

Many launch and recovery systems are fixed or vessel-specific, resulting in mobility limitations.
Vehicle diversity also creates platform mismatches, as different vehicle shapes, sizes, and payloads require flexible handling.
Rough seas, cluttered harbours, and contested waters lead to operational risk and increased risk of damage to valuable assets.
Scalability is also a challenge, as systems optimised for one platform often lack adaptability for others.

Solution and Outcomes

The GannetDive LRX was designed as a modular, mobile, and scalable Launch & Recovery System (LARS) that can support multiple classes of vehicles. It is containerised for rapid deployment from vessels of opportunity, offshore rigs, or shore bases, and its architecture allows configuration for different vehicle types. Advanced control systems ensure safe recovery even in congested or contested waters, while its Australian-built design offers resilience and sovereign support.

Through this system, operators gain flexibility to deploy a range of vehicles, greater operational safety by protecting high-value assets, and improved efficiency with streamlined control that reduces downtime. Its scalable design ensures the capability to support future mission requirements while strengthening Australia’s industrial resilience and export potential.

Conclusion

The GannetDive LRX redefines launch and recovery for modern autonomous operations. With proven mobility, modularity, and scalability, it provides a universal solution for AUVs, USVs, and ROVs, ensuring operators of REMUS, Seaber, Saab AUV, Bluefin, and beyond can focus on the mission – not their equipment.