16
Notional Architecture
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Primary launch operations are performed from two centerline ramps, one just aft of amidships and the other a stern ramp with stern doors providing additional vertical clearance for larger payloads.

Following launch and transit, the Sea Predator anchors on station, launching all 16 man-portable vehicles which radially distribute their cargo of hard-wired sensor elements to cover a 10 x 10 mile grid. Once these are fully deployed, the Sea Predator separates from the sled and hovers above while launching its internal cargo of LWV’s, providing centralized power and processing capabilities to the hub.  Following LWV docking, the Sea Predator either loiters within acoustic range of the hub, repositions to comm’s depth outside the fixed network, or returns to the Sea Tentacle for refueling and secondary payloads.

Primary recovery is performed from both port and starboard sliding bay doors located near amidships.  Telescoping rail pairs extend to permit lifts over the side using overhead hoist arrays.  Recovery can also be performed using the stern ramp.