Subsea Launchable Winch System for XLUUV (2024)

Overview 

Innova partnered with a leading ocean technology customer to deliver a subsea-launchable winch system for an advanced XLUUV program, enabling reliable deployment and continuous subsea communication. 

Challenge 

The key challenge was combining robust mechanical performance with uninterrupted communication in a fully subsea environment. This included operating exposed to seawater, ensuring precise wire handling, and maintaining connectivity without surfacing—placing high demands on reliability and system integration. 

Solution 

Innova delivered a tailored system combining in-house engineering with specialist partners, featuring: 

• A stainless-steel subsea winch with precision level-wind for controlled spooling 
• Integrated power and communication through the cable 
• A communication buoy enabling continuous link to shore via Starlink, Iridium, VHF, and Wi-Fi 

Result 

A compact and robust system that ensures reliable deployment, continuous multi-channel communication, and seamless integration—enabling next-generation autonomous subsea operations. 

Key Facts 

• Environment: Subsea / Autonomous operations 
• System Type: Launchable winch with communication buoy 
• Communication: Starlink, Iridium, VHF, Wi-F