DEVICE FOR THE SAFE RECOVERY AND TRANSPORT OF ARMOR PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR OF ARMOR PRODUCTS FOUND UNDER WATER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for the safe recovery of munitions underwater and for transport on board.

[0002] Large quantities of munitions, in the broadest sense, are found in coastal waters, particularly the North and Baltic Seas. These include deliberately deployed objects, such as sea mines, for example, moored mines. They also include unexploded ordnance used in combat. Furthermore, very large quantities of munitions were simply dumped after the end of the war as part of the disarmament of the Wehrmacht. This latter category also includes munitions containing chemical agents. These objects range in size from rifle and machine gun ammunition to mines, naval artillery shells, bombs, mines, and torpedo warheads. It is estimated that there are at least 5 million suspected objects, or 1.6 million tons, of such munitions or munition components in the North and Baltic Seas combined.

[0003] This ammunition has been partially submerged in saline water for over 75 years. As a result, this ammunition is in a completely undefined state of decay, particularly with regard to its integrity, the chemical stability of the explosives it contains, and its transport safety.

[0004] Due to the large number of different types of ordnance and the extended time spent underwater, the ordnance varies greatly in size and shape. Therefore, efficient processing must be possible with these diverse shapes and sizes.

[0005] Firstly, the munitions pose a significant threat to the environment. For example, the explosives and chemical warfare agents can leak out over time due to corrosion, creating a major danger to the ecosystem. Ships can also come into contact with the munitions and trigger them. With moored mines, there is a risk that the chain connecting the mine to the seabed could break, turning it into a drifting mine that could drift into supposedly safe areas, such as shipping lanes. Currents and seabed movement can also displace munitions, carrying them to safer areas. White phosphorus that leaks out and washes ashore regularly causes injuries. Therefore, it would be desirable to remove all such objects.

[0006] On the other hand, the clearance process itself is particularly critical, as it requires handling, moving, or, due to their size, dismantling the munitions. All these actions naturally carry an increased risk of the explosives reacting. Therefore, it is advantageous to minimize the number of movements.

[0007] If a suspected unexploded ordnance is found, it must be identified and a decision made as to whether the object is transportable, temporarily transportable, or can be made transportable. For example, unexploded ordnance can sometimes be made transportable by removing the detonator or using a cutting charge. However, the majority of objects dumped after the end of hostilities do not have a detonator.

[0008] Transportable objects must then be transported for further processing, for example, dismantling. However, many objects are too large to be directly incinerated, as the amount of explosive material added to the combustion process would be too high to safely control the process.

[0009] WO 2007 / 068020 A1 discloses a transportable system for defusing munitions containing fluid warfare agents.

[0010] From DE 10 2018 119 339 A1 a method and a device for defusing an unexploded bomb lying underwater are known.

[0011] From DE 39 13 479 C1 a method and a system for the disarmament of toxic and / or explosive objects, in particular chemical weapons, is known.

[0012] From the subsequently published DE 10 2020 212 443, a device for the safe dislaboration of recovered munitions is known.

[0013] From JP H10-7 374 A, a gripping device for gripping a load handling object from both sides by moving it by a crane or the like is known, comprising: a first frame extending in a horizontal direction; a pair of second frames movably arranged along the first frame and extending in a horizontal direction intersecting the first frame; a pair of leg frames movably arranged along the second frame; a rotating element provided at the lower end of the leg frame and rotatable about an axis along the longitudinal direction of the leg frame; a first claw provided on the rotating element and projecting towards the center in the longitudinal direction of the first frame; and a second claw provided on the rotating element and projecting towards the center in the longitudinal direction of the second frame.

[0014] From DE 28 26 519 A1 a device for holding workpieces of any or irregular shape is known while the workpiece is being machined or is exposed to any other influence.

[0015] US Patent 5,515,977 A discloses a recyclable protective rack and a recyclable edge protection packaging and distribution system for preventing roll-up and enabling the distribution and shipping of rolls of laminar material oriented in a rolling position on a pallet. The protective rack consists of an interlocking pallet cover and a series of wedge elements that act as wedges to prevent the roll from rotating. A wedge removal system allows for the selective removal of one or more wedge elements so that the roll can be removed from the protective rack without obstruction.

[0016] The KR 2017 0044986 A document describes how to lift a concrete cube.

[0017] From WO 2018 / 033643 A1 and DE 10 2016 115 468 A1 a method and a device for the disposal of underwater munitions are known.

[0018] It would therefore be desirable to minimize the transport distance of an underwater object and to dismantle it safely while minimizing movement. However, this presents the problem that it is considerably more difficult to implement appropriate protective measures at sea, such as bunkers or earthworks. The weight that a floating platform would have to bear is very high and would make the platform unnecessarily complex and expensive. It is also desirable to minimize the number of direct movements of the ordnance, i.e., to avoid having to handle the ordnance anew for each relocation.

[0019] This is also desirable because, for legal reasons, munitions can be difficult or impossible to transport by land. The transfer of munitions, and especially chemical weapons, from outside this area into the territory of a state can be legally problematic or even impossible, based on the Chemical Weapons Convention and national laws.

[0020] The object of the invention is to create a device that allows for the safe relocation of munitions found at sea.

[0021] This problem is solved by the recovery device with the features specified in claim 1 and by the method with the features specified in claim 8. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0022] The recovery device according to the invention is used for the recovery of munitions. In particular, the recovery device according to the invention is used for the recovery of munitions underwater, especially munitions found on or in the seabed, particularly on or in the seabed. For the purposes of this invention, "munitions" is to be understood broadly and can therefore also include suspected objects that subsequently do not turn out to be munitions. Furthermore, some munitions have corroded to such an extent over time that only the explosive remains after the metallic casing has completely corroded. Similarly, only the casing may remain if the explosive has been leached out over time. Such remnants are also considered munitions within the meaning of the invention, even if they are obviously no longer usable as munitions today.The term also encompasses components of munitions, such as the warhead of a torpedo or a detonator. Many of these components were simply dumped into the Baltic and North Seas after the end of World War II. Likewise, many munitions were dumped without detonators, i.e., unfired. Duds are also found. All these chemical agents, munitions, components of munitions, remnants of munitions, and the like are to be understood as munitions within the meaning of the invention. This diversity also means that the munitions exhibit a wide range of shapes and sizes, so the recovery device should possess a high degree of variability and flexibility in order to be able to collect as large a proportion of these munitions as possible.The recovery device is preferably designed to be able to accommodate a large proportion of known munitions, for example, munitions weighing up to 300 kg or up to 500 kg. While larger munitions do exist, for example up to 2 tons, these are relatively rare, making manual clearance the most effective approach for these larger items, as the majority consists of discarded small munitions.

[0023] It is therefore essential to the invention that the recovery device according to the invention must be suitable for receiving a munition. This means, in particular, that a person involved in the clearance and transport of munitions would also use a recovery device for the recovery of a means of transport. While it might theoretically seem possible, for example, to place a found aerial bomb on a simple wooden pallet and transport it, its typically cylindrical shape would cause it to roll off the pallet very easily, and such transport would therefore pose an enormous risk of the bomb exploding uncontrollably. Due to its features described below, the recovery device according to the invention is suitable for the safe receipt and transport of a munition, especially one in an unknown condition.

[0024] The recovery device is designed in two parts. It comprises a support device and a gripping and fixing device. The support device can, for example, and preferably, be a standard pallet, such as a wooden pallet according to EN 13698-1, optionally adapted, for example, by means of fixing elements. Alternatively, and also preferably, the support device can be a standard wire mesh container, for example, according to UIC standard 435-3. Advantages of these embodiments are, firstly, that they are available at low cost, particularly given the number of munitions lying on the seabed and in case they are destroyed during further processing, for example, during disarmament. Secondly, these standard devices already have ideal interfaces for being positively connected to a gripping and fixing device.

[0025] The gripping and fixing device is designed for a friction-fit, detachable connection with the support device. Friction-fit, detachable connections are widely known, for example, from standard containers that are loaded onto ships, trains, or trucks by being lifted over a bridge, with a connection being made at the four upper corners of the container. The advantages of such standardized connecting elements are, firstly, their high reliability. Secondly, they also make it very easy to use inexpensive and differently designed support devices.

[0026] The gripping and fixing device is preferably connectable to a lifting device, for example, by attaching it to a crane hook or, via a coupling element, to the boom of an excavator (instead of the excavator bucket). Preferably, the gripping and fixing device can also be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically controlled via this connection to establish a force-fit, releasable connection with the support device and / or to move and / or fix the fixing elements.

[0027] Erfindungsgemäß weist die Greif- und Fixiervorrichtung einer ersten Mehrzahl an Fixierelementen auf. Die Fixierelemente sind senkrecht bewegbar und in ihrer Position arretierbar, sodass nach Arretierung eine ungewollte Bewegung verhindert werden kann.

[0028] For example, the fixing elements can be arranged next to each other in one plane.

[0029] The ordnance is secured by the fixing elements, which are positioned laterally as close as possible to the ordnance, thus preventing movement, such as rolling. Additionally, fixing elements preferably positioned above the ordnance ensure that it is also stabilized against vertical movement. To achieve this, the fixing elements are movable; that is, they can be pressed upwards into the gripping and fixing device by the ordnance itself when the device is lowered, for example, against a spring force that pushes each fixing element downwards.Alternatively, the fixing elements can also be lowered from the gripping and fixing device after the force-fit detachable connection of the support device and the gripping and fixing device has been established, whereby fixing elements that come into contact with the combat ordnance are not lowered further, fixing elements that are next to the combat ordnance but do not encounter any resistance are lowered further and thus assume a position next to the combat ordnance and thus stabilize the combat ordnance laterally.

[0030] "Perpendicular" in the sense of the invention refers to the direction in which the gripping and fixing device is lowered onto the support device and thus the combat device in order to connect the gripping and fixing device to the support device.

[0031] The fixing elements are preferably movable parallel to each other. This allows for good coverage and thus secure fixing regardless of the shape, size, and position of the ordnance.

[0032] This solves the problem of ordnance having different and not necessarily predictable shapes and sizes, as well as varying positions on the support device. The aim is to lower the fixing elements, particularly the gripping and fixing device, onto the ordnance from above, either all at once or separately in a subsequent fixing step. Fixing elements that come into contact with the ordnance are lowered a correspondingly shorter distance. Fixing elements that do not come into contact with the ordnance are thus guided alongside it, resulting in lateral fixing of the ordnance. The fixing elements can therefore be lowered from the side of the gripping and fixing device and make contact with the ordnance.

[0033] After the fixing elements are engaged, the ordnance is thus fixed in position, regardless of its shape, and can no longer move. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing elements are arranged in a matrix-like pattern across the gripping and fixing device, particularly to cover the surface of the support device. For practical reasons, an area on the outside may remain free for technical reasons. These elements can be arranged in a cubic or hexagonal configuration. In one embodiment, the fixing elements are preferably pin-shaped or cylindrical. For example, the pin-shaped fixing elements have a diameter of 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably 10 mm to 25 mm. The fixing elements are preferably spaced apart by 1.2 to 2.5 times their diameter.The more numerous, smaller, and closer together the fixing elements are, the more complex the device becomes; however, this also reduces the statistical distance between the combat device and the adjacent fixing elements arranged next to the combat device.

[0034] Fixing elements, as defined in the invention, are also vertically movable if, for example, they are designed to be telescopically extendable. It is important that these elements can be arranged laterally to the combat device, or that they are retractable or yielding within the area of ​​the combat device.

[0035] To enable the recovery of munitions underwater, particularly those found on or in the seabed, especially on or in the seabed, the recovery device according to the invention is waterproof and pressure-resistant. All components exposed to the environment are therefore suitable for underwater use, especially in saltwater. This means, for example, that electrical components are housed in pressure- and water-resistant enclosures, metals are provided with protective coatings, sacrificial anodes are attached, and / or corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel are used for metal elements and bearings.

[0036] In a first embodiment of the invention, the fixing elements consist of, or are encased in, a non-metallic material, for example, a ceramic or a plastic. In particular, the surface of the fixing elements in this embodiment is not made of a metallic material in order to prevent the formation of an electrochemical cell through contact with metallic components of the ordnance, thereby reducing the risk of detonation. Alternatively, the fixing element can be metallic but has a non-metallic section at the end that contacts the ordnance, which is preferably elastic. This reduces the mechanical stress on the ordnance.

[0037] In a first embodiment of the invention, the fixing elements are hydraulically movable. For example, and preferably, after the force-fit connection between the gripping and fixing device and the support device has been established, the fixing elements are lowered hydraulically, thus fixing the ordnance. In this embodiment, the fixing elements are secured by a hydraulic locking mechanism that prevents any subsequent change in the position of the fixing elements.

[0038] In a second alternative embodiment of the invention, the fixing elements are spring-loaded and movable, and are pushed upwards by the ordnance when the gripping and fixing device is lowered. After the force-fit connection between the gripping and fixing device and the support device has been established, the fixing elements are then, for example, and preferably, hydraulically locked to prevent them from moving and thus securely fix the ordnance.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support device also has fixing elements, which can be designed according to the embodiment of the fixing elements of the gripping and fixing device. In a preferred embodiment of this variant, the fixing elements of the support device are spring-loaded and movable downwards against the spring pressure, so that when the ordnance is placed on the device, the corresponding fixing elements are pressed downwards. The establishment of the force-fit connection between the gripping and fixing device and the support device preferably results in a mechanical locking of the fixing elements of the support device. Alternatively, the locking is performed manually by a diver after the ordnance has been placed on the device. For this purpose, the support device preferably has a manually actuated locking device on the side.Alternatively, the fixing elements of the support device can be moved and fixed hydraulically or pneumatically. For this purpose, a hydraulic or pneumatic connection is preferably established between the gripping and fixing device and the support device, for example by means of a quick-release coupling.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support device has a trough-shaped depression. A trough-shaped depression in the support device can also be formed by, for example, mounting a trough-shaped receiving body for a munition onto a pallet, such as a standard wooden pallet. Since many munitions have a very rough cylindrical or spherical shape, a first, rough fixation can easily be achieved in this way. Even for round munitions, such as mines, a rough fixation can be achieved in at least one spatial direction in this way. For example, and preferably, in one embodiment, the trough-shaped depression has recesses for dividing the munition. For example, these recesses are formed equidistant from the longitudinal direction of the trough-shaped depression.In a further process step, these can then be used to cut the ordnance into predefined slices with a cutting device. This can be done using a suitable cutting method, for example mechanically or abrasively, preferably by a non-contact cutting method such as waterjet cutting.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support device comprises a second plurality of fixing elements. These fixing elements are vertically movable and lockable. This allows the support device to be easily adapted to different combat equipment and provides additional stabilization. Preferably, the fixing elements of the support device can be locked by connecting the support device to the gripping and fixing device. This eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism for the support device.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gripping and fixing device has a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism serves, in particular, to enable the gripping and fixing device to be moved, preferably horizontally. This allows the gripping and fixing device to be positioned more easily and precisely above the support device. Preferably, the drive mechanism is also suitable for rotating the gripping and fixing device about a vertical axis to facilitate precise alignment with the support device. The drive mechanism can, for example, be powered by an integrated accumulator. Alternatively, the drive mechanism can also be supplied electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically by the receiving recovery vehicle. The drive mechanism can, for example, be a swiveling propeller.The propulsion device can also consist of two or three propellers or pairs of propellers arranged at right angles to each other in order to achieve correct orientation of the gripping and fixing device to the support device.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, the gripping and fixing device comprises at least one sensor. The sensor can preferably be a camera, a sonar system, or a rangefinder. The camera can be connected to a screen, allowing the crane operator or another person responsible for the recovery operation to monitor and control the alignment of the gripping and fixing device relative to the support device. The sonar system can preferably be an acoustic camera to enable alignment even in poor visibility conditions. The distance sensor is preferably non-contact and measures, for example, using a laser, magnetic sensor, or sound, the distance between the support device and the gripping and fixing device, or the distance between the ordnance and the gripping and fixing device, thus enabling the gripping and fixing device to be carefully placed onto the ordnance.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gripping and fixing device can be connected to a crane on a watercraft. The connection can be simple and mechanical, for example, via a crane cable. The crane cable can, for instance, have an elastic section, at least in one segment. This ensures that abrupt movements, such as those caused by waves, are cushioned. Alternatively, the connection can also include an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic connection to allow active control of the gripping and fixing device. Preferably, the crane has a wave-compensating system to ensure the most stable position possible for the ordnance during recovery. Such crane systems are known to those skilled in the art.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support device has a barrier layer. The barrier layer serves to protect the supporting structure of the support device during the subsequent cutting of the ordnance resting on the support device. For example, the barrier layer can be in the form of a steel plate, which, for instance, prevents damage to a wooden pallet as the supporting structure by a saw cutting the ordnance.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the support device has guide elements. The guide elements serve to guide the gripping and fixing device as it approaches the support device and thus guide it safely and quickly into the correct position in which the force-fit, releasable connection between the support device and the gripping and fixing device can be established.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gripping and fixing device has at least a slight drive. This makes it easier to lower the gripping and fixing device onto the receiving device.

[0048] The recovery device according to the invention is preferably used as follows: After locating an ordnance, the support device is placed on the seabed near the ordnance, preferably in an area where no other ordnance is known to be present. The ordnance is then lifted onto the support device. The gripping and fixing device is, for example, connected to a crane on a floating disarming platform according to DE 10 2020 212 443. The gripping and fixing device is lowered onto the support device and, for example, hydraulically connected to it in a force-fit manner, and at the same time the fixing elements of the gripping and fixing device are secured.The ordnance can now be securely fixed on board the floating disarmament platform for safe disarmament in accordance with DE 10 2020 212 443. Preferably, the support device with the ordnance is inserted directly into a disarmament chamber in accordance with DE 10 2020 212 443, where the connection between the gripping and fixing device and the support device is severed. The gripping and fixing device is then removed, while the support device remains in the disarmament chamber during the disarmament process.

[0049] The invention therefore relates in particular to the use of a recovery device according to the invention for the recovery of munitions found underwater.

[0050] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for recovering unexploded ordnance. The method comprises the following steps: a) Moving a support device into the vicinity of the ordnance to be recovered, b) Setting the support device on the ground, c) Moving the ordnance onto the support device, d) Moving a gripping and fixing device over the support device, e) Lowering the gripping and fixing device, whereby the fixing elements are moved by the ordnance, f) Connecting the gripping and fixing device to that of a support device and locking the fixing elements, g) Recovering the ordnance by lifting the gripping and fixing device and thus also the support device and the ordnance arranged on the support device.

[0051] The method according to the invention allows the recovery device to be used optimally, in particular to carry out the recovery while minimizing the use of people, especially divers.

[0052] In steps a) and b), the support device is brought close to the ordnance to be recovered and then lowered onto the ground. This can be done, for example, using a transport vehicle. The support device can also be positioned there using the gripping and fixing device.

[0053] For example, the movement in step c) can be carried out using a grab attached to a crane or other lifting equipment. Alternatively, the movement can be done manually, but this puts the person doing it at risk.

[0054] For example, the movement of the gripping and fixing device in step d) can be at least partially accomplished by means of the gripping and fixing device's drive mechanism. This allows for remote-controlled and precise positioning and orientation, particularly underwater, in a simple and easy manner without the need for a person.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the invention, the ground in step b) is a body of water, in particular a seabed or the bottom of a body of water. However, this step b) can also include the fact that the support device is indirectly placed on a ground, for example, on a prepared platform that is firmly anchored to the ground, so that it is also possible to place the support device on uneven or non-load-bearing ground.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection of the gripping and fixing device to the support device and the locking of the fixing elements in step f) occur simultaneously. For example, and in particular, the connection and locking can be performed by the same hydraulic system. In this case, one process may be shorter than the other; in particular, the locking process may be shorter, since it typically requires less movement, which can therefore be carried out more quickly.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, after recovery in step g), the gripping and fixing device is released and removed, and the ordnance is then cut up on the support device. This eliminates any further movement of the ordnance, which is always associated with the risk of unintentional detonation.

[0058] The recovery device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 first embodiment Fig. 2 second embodiment Fig. 3 round ordnance

[0059] In Fig. 1 A first embodiment is shown. The support device consists of a simple, commercially available pallet 40 on which a trough-shaped depression 50 is attached. This depression has interruptions at regular intervals, so that a saw can cut the ordnance 60 lying on it into slices of equal thickness.

[0060] To retrieve the support device with the ordnance 60 on it from the water, a gripping and fixing device 10 is lowered from above via a rope 30, which is, for example, attached to a crane on a floating disarming platform. This device has connecting elements 20 compatible with a pallet 40 to establish a force-fit, detachable connection between the support device and the gripping and fixing device 10. The gripping and fixing device 10 further comprises fixing elements 70. These fixing elements are, for example, cubic primitive, i.e., arranged in a simple, rectangular, equidistant plane. The fixing elements 70 have, for example, a diameter of 10 mm and a spacing of 20 mm.Preferably, the fixing elements 70 can be hydraulically lowered and then locked after the connection between the pallet 40 and the gripping and fixing device 10 has been established, in order to fix the ordnance 60 so that it can be safely lifted out of the water without moving on the pallet 40. The pallet 40 has cutting recesses 190 so that the ordnance 60 can be easily cut up while lying directly on the pallet 40.

[0061] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a slightly different embodiment. The support device 140 is in the form of a box or basket and may, for example, have mesh walls. Preferably, the support device 140 has standardized connecting elements at its four upper corners, into which the connecting elements 120 of the gripping and fixing device 110 can engage. Additionally, the support device has a matrix of fixing elements 150, which can be pressed downwards by a spring-loaded explosive device 60. When the support device 140 is positively connected to the gripping and fixing device 100, the fixing elements 150 are also locked. The gripping and fixing device 110 has fixing elements 170, which, as in the first embodiment, can be lowered onto the explosive device 60 from above. By using fixing elements 150 and 170 at the top and bottom, these can be shorter while still securely holding the explosive device 60.

[0062] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows how a round ordnance 60, for example a mine, is placed onto a pallet 40 with a trough-shaped depression 50, which is round in this case, by means of a lifting device 180, for example a grab attached to a crane. The pallet 40 has cutting notches 190 so that the ordnance 60 can be easily cut up while lying directly on the pallet 40.

[0063] Reference sign 10 Gripping and fixing device 20 Connecting element 30 Rope 40 Pallet 50 Trough-shaped recess 60 Combat equipment 70 Fixing element 110 Gripping and fixing device 120 Connecting element 140 Support device 150 Fixing element 170 Fixing element 180 Lifting device 190 Cutting recesses

Claims

1. Recovery device for recovering explosive ordnance (60), wherein the recovery device is designed in two parts, wherein the recovery device has a support device (140) and a gripping and fixing device (10, 110), wherein the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) is designed for a force-fitting, detachable connection with the support device (140), wherein the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) comprises a first plurality of fixing elements (70, 170), characterised in that the fixing elements (70, 170) are movable and lockable perpendicular to the fixing of the explosive ordnance (60).

2. Recovery device according to claim 1, characterised in that the fixing elements (70, 170) are arranged in a matrix-like manner over the gripping and fixing device (10, 110).

3. Recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing elements (70, 170) are pin-shaped.

4. Rescue device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fixing elements (70, 170) are hydraulically movable.

5. Recovery device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the fixing elements (70, 170) are hydraulically lockable and spring-loaded movable.

6. Recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (140) has a trough-shaped recess (50).

7. Recovery device according to claim 6, characterised in that the trough-shaped recess (50) has recesses for breaking up the explosive ordnance (60).

8. Method for recovering an explosive ordnance (60) using a recovery device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) moving a support device (140) into the vicinity of an explosive ordnance (60) to be recovered, b) placing the support device (140) on the ground, c) moving the explosive ordnance (60) onto the support device (140), d) Moving a gripping and fixing device (10, 110) over the support device (140), e) lowering the gripping and fixing device (10, 110), whereby the fixing elements (70, 170) are moved by the explosive ordnance (60), f) Connecting the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) to the support device (140) and locking the fixing elements (70, 170), g) recovering the explosive ordnance (60) by lifting the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) and thus also the support device (140) and the explosive ordnance (60) arranged on the support device (140).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the ground in step b) is a water bottom, in particular a sea bottom.

10. Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterised in that the connecting of the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) to a support device (140) and the locking of the fixing elements (70, 170) in step f) are performed simultaneously.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterised in that after recovery in step g), the gripping and fixing device (10, 110) is released and removed and the explosive ordnance (60) is then cut up on the support device (140).