Artistic impression of the Singapore Navy MRCV with two PALFINGER PQBS-SR Slipway Systems arranged side-by-side. The systems remove the need for complex, multi-crew tasks during launch and recovery, improving safety, expanding the weather envelope, and increasing operational speed. Images are used with permission from Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
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Model PQBS-SR

Configuration

  • Quad wheel-drive units on slipway slope (deck structure)
  • Quad wheel-drive units on stern ramp/door
  • Ramp/door actuation winches
  • Cylinders for dampening and actuation of ramp/door
  • Guide arrangement for daughter craft/USV
Starboard-side ramp/door open in the launch and recovery position. Suitable for day and night operations, with lights on the guide poles for visual alignment during approach and recovery. A green light indicates that the slipway is ready; a red light indicates that entry is not permitted.
Features

Features

SWL: Up to 25 tons
Wheel-drive system: Hydraulically powered
Quad wheel-drive units: Self-adjusting, adapting to different hull shapes
Slipway operation: Semi-automatic with single-operator
Primary controller: Portable radio remote control panel
Slipway angle: Up to 12° slope angle
Slipway access/entrance: Via submerged wheel-drive units on stern door/ramp
Boat guiding system: Tilting quad wheel- drive units and guide arrangement on stern ramp/door
Stern door/ramp dimensions: Designed to purpose and vessel interface
Slipway slope length: Designed to daughter craft size
Emergency recovery of boat: By emergency recovery winch

Options

Options

  • Two Slipway Systems in side-by-side arrangement
  • Power and control system redundancy by cross-over (SBS/PS)
  • Remote control from daughter craft or from bridge
  • Shock requirements in accordance with applicable standards
  • Hydraulic control stand/cabinet
  • Multi-craft handling (two boats in-line on each slipway)

Detailed Product Information

Find out more about our Slipway and Stern Entry Systems with boat cradle.

Slipway Systems with Boat Cradle

PALFINGER's boat cradle is an open and light tubular steel design, which minimizes forces induced by waves and currents. The boat cradle is supported by mechanical load bearing support/drive rails and wheel/bearing arrangements on both sides of the boat cradle structure.

The inside of the boat cradle is fitted with fenders to protect and guide the water craft during launch and recovery. A weaklink mechanism protects the boat cradle against higher forces than it is designed to withstand. The “bow section” of the boat cradle is fitted with an automatic mechanical securing clamp. The clamp is hydraulic operated and equipped with a quick-lock function.

The stern end of the boat cradle is designed for easy and safe access during launch and recovery and to avoid any conflicts with daughter craft’s drive system. The system is also well suited for handling of crafts with multiple outboard engines or stern drives.

Max. Sea State for Slipway Operations

Test and operational use of this Slipway System have been performed in Sea States 3 with mother vessel steaming ahead with low speed.

Safe operations at higher Sea States may be possible but is highly dependent on:

  • Mother vessel heading and speed
  • Mother vessel responsiveness (RAO Profile)
  • Waves and wind pattern
  • Boat driver's skills

Boat Cradle Drive System

Rails on each side of the boat cradle serve as guide and support mechanisms for the boat cradle while it is travelling up and down the slipway slope. One of the guide rails on each side of the slipway slope is fitted with a tooth rack for the drive system.


Longitudinal movements and heave/lowering of the boat cradle is done by hydraulic powered pinion drives mounted on each side of the boat cradle. The hydraulic pinion drive motors are fitted with automatic overrunning clutches, allowing residual energy from the water-craft to be transferred into forward motion of the boat cradle in case the water-craft is approaching the boat cradle with excess speed.

Boat Cradle Elevator

Vertical movements are driven by the two mechanical support and guide rails on each side of the boat cradle. The mechanical support and guide rails (located on the stern of the vessel) guide the boat cradle to the horizontal parking position when the boat cradle is retracted by the rack and pinion drive system.

Download Area

Brochure: Shipboard Slipway Systems

English 2026

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