Improved Air & Sea Vehicle Launch & Recovery
About this Event
Abstract
This seminar explores advanced methodologies for improving the safety and reliability of launching and recovering air and sea vehicles from moving ships. Central to the presentation is dynamic interface engineering—a multidisciplinary approach that evaluates the complex interaction between vessel motion, vehicle response, inertial loads, deck forces, airwake, wind, and sea conditions.
The seminar will demonstrate how simulation, sea-trial measurements, marine radar, and LiDAR technologies can be integrated to identify safer operational windows. Particular attention will be given to Quiescent Period Prediction (QPP), a long-horizon forecasting methodology that detects calmer patches of water and more stable airflow conditions ahead of a vessel. By providing crews and autonomous systems with greater advance notice of favourable conditions, QPP can improve operational planning and increase the number of safe launch and recovery opportunities.
These methodologies can be applied to uncrewed and piloted aircraft, rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and other motion-sensitive systems. Their adoption can reduce operational risk, enhance platform readiness, and support more informed decision-making during complex maritime operations.
About the Speaker
Dr Bernard Ferrier is the Advanced Naval Systems Engineering Group Manager at Fincantieri Marinette Marine, where he supports the design, construction, integration, and operational deployment of small-class naval vessels.
He is also a qualified Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) professional supporting the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). His work focuses on the integration and advancement of shipboard aircraft launch and recovery systems, associated technologies, and the definition of safe flight-deck operating limits.
Dr Ferrier holds a professorial appointment at the University of Exeter, where he contributes to the development of long-horizon air–ship motion prediction tools for the Royal Navy. He also serves as Engineering Head of Syntek Technologies’ Aircraft–Ship Dynamic Interface Laboratory in Fairfax, Virginia.
He earned his doctorate in helicopter–ship dynamic interface engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal and is internationally recognised for his expertise in naval aviation, dynamic interface engineering, and shipboard launch and recovery operations.
Technical Talk @ SIT Punggol Campus
Organised by:
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers Singapore (SNAMES)
Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)
In partnership with:
The Joint Branch of the RINA and IMarEST (Singapore)
Singapore Nautical Institute (SNI)
Association of Singapore Marine & Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI)
Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)
Agenda
🕑: 06:15 PM - 07:00 PM
Registration, refreshment and networking
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:10 PM
Introduction of SNAMES, event contents, and about the speaker
🕑: 07:10 PM - 07:55 PM
Presentation and talk
🕑: 07:55 PM - 08:10 PM
Q&A
🕑: 08:10 PM - 08:15 PM
Delivery of a token of appreciation (plaque), group photos, and feedback
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
End of the Program and Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
SGD 0.00
