Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) introduced today AutoHook™, a first-of-its-kind fully autonomous vessel recovery interface developed by FMD’s Norway-based business, Vestdavit. AutoHook is a cornerstone capability in establishing a new standard for fully autonomous Launch and Recovery System (LARS) supporting Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) and other assets requiring zero human intervention. The compact, lightweight form factor is designed for interoperability across allied fleets in demanding maritime conditions, removing the need for an additional cradle during loading and unloading.
Developed by Vestdavit, a trusted provider of advanced life-saving maritime equipment, AutoHook fulfills the unmet need for autonomy during complex, high-risk launch and recovery. Whereas current autonomous solutions fail to meet operational demands beyond Sea State 2, AutoHook successfully achieved operational acceptance at Sea State 4. The system was engineered with safety as the highest priority. Fully autonomous operation eliminates the need for manual connections, removing the risk of injuries during operations.
“The global shift toward distributed maritime operations depends on unmanned systems that perform in real-world conditions and integrate seamlessly across allied fleets. AutoHook not only supports fleet modernization, it breaks the Sea State 2 ceiling that has long constrained manual launch and recovery,” said Rolf Andreas Wigand, Vestdavit CEO. “By delivering advanced launch and recovery solutions purpose-built for the operational demands of the U.S. fleet, we are helping ensure American forces, and those of our allies, have the reliable, scalable capability they need to operate effectively today and for decades to come.”
Designed for fleet-wide interoperability, AutoHook supports evolving mission profiles and aligns with NATO operational standards, delivering ready-to-deploy capabilities for allied maritime forces. Unlike solutions that require winches or davit modifications, the AutoHook clamp-on-davit wire unit mounts easily. Its integrated thrusters, onboard control, vision and power are contained in a single, minimal-footprint unit for seamless integration with existing vessels, without costly modifications.
Using its onboard vision system and integrated thrusters, AutoHook achieves stable tracking of dynamic targets, eliminating crew exposure while increasing speed, reliability and operational efficiency. Vestdavit’s autonomous, state-of-the-art vision system uses AI to determine and track the precise location of the rescue boat in real time, compared to other solutions that rely on operator control units. The autonomous operation of the system is ideally suited for the growing unmanned fleets being developed by navies worldwide.
“With AutoHook, we are solving one of the most critical challenges in maritime operations: achieving a safe, reliable, fully automated connection between ship and craft in high-energy sea states,” continued Wigand. “We are extremely proud to introduce AutoHook. As a company known for our commitment to practical innovation and maritime safety, this system helps us ensure maritime professionals can execute their missions with unparalleled safety, reliability and interoperability in challenging operational environments.”
Demonstrations of the AutoHook will take place at the 2026 Sea Air Space Expo, April 19-22 in National Harbor, Maryland. Visitors are invited to Booth #1337 to see AutoHook and learn about FMD’s innovative capabilities.
About Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD)
Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) builds, maintains, and services the most trusted naval power and propulsion systems on the planet. For nearly a century, Fairbanks Morse Defense has been a principal supplier of a growing array of leading marine technologies, OEM parts, and turnkey services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. FMD stands ready to rapidly support the systems that power military fleets without compromising safety or quality. In times of peace and war, the experienced engineers, sailors, and technicians of FMD demonstrate our commitment to supporting the mission and vision of critical global naval operations wherever and whenever needed. FMD is a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management.
