Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to a spill containment boom unit for deployment in ambient water, using water absorbing material, such as SAP, to encourage expansion of a chamber thereof. Some embodiments provide boom units which comprise one or more surfaces which form at least one hollow chamber, wherein at least one wall of the hollow chamber comprises at least one fillable compartment.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surface attachment apparatus for non-penetrating mechanical attachment of components to a target surface includes a cartridge assembly and mounting assembly. Actuation of the cartridge assembly causes first and second exothermic reactants located between outer casing and the inner casing to come into contact and cause an exothermic reaction. This reaction liquefies a bonding material between the cartridge assembly and mounting assembly, allowing it to flow around the mounting assembly and onto a target surface creating a seal. Vacuum pressure will bind the mounting assembly to a target surface.

Abstract: A reaction container has contains an amount of a water reactive material and a volume of water within the confined space of its interior. The water reactive material, which contains aluminum, is formed as two separate and spaced apart portions. The water is located between the two portions of the water reactive material. A detonation mechanism, which is configured to mix the amount of water reactive material and the volume of water, is provided in communication with each portion of the water reactive material. The volume of water and the aluminum in the water reactive material are stoichiometrically balanced.

Abstract: A waterborne munitions system is disclosed. The system includes a submersible munitions platform and a remote control module. The munitions platform has a plurality of canistered munitions, either waterborne, airborne, or both, which can be remotely launched via the remote control module.

Abstract: A multiple torpedo mine is capable of launching multiple torpedoes in water simultaneously or at predetermined intervals. The mine has an elongate container having multiple launch tubes with launch tube covers and each containing a torpedo. A programmable target detection sensor unit in the elongate container senses impinging stimuli indicative of an approaching target and generates representative target signals. A main controller in the elongate container is coupled to receive the target signals from the target detection sensor unit, and the main controller is preprogrammed to recognize targets of interest and generate appropriate launch control signals for the torpedoes. A launching system in the elongate container is coupled to the main controller and each of the launch tubes to feed high pressure gas to the base and interior of the launch tubes to launch the torpedoes into the water.

Abstract: An underwater grenade and a method for using an underwater grenade. A depth activated, hand emplaced ordnance utilizing safe and arm technology to address underwater threats (such as enemy swimmers) while providing a safe interface with personnel. The grenade is armed after a sequence of events have occurred including reaching a desired depth and a desired passage of time. Failure of any of the events to occur will cause the grenade to be rendered safe.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a supply vessel for transporting a plurality of payload carrying containers having powered self-burying mechanism to enable the containers to bury themselves in the seabed when released from the vessel. Each container is connected to the vessel by an umbilical including a power supply from the vessel to the container for powering the self-burying mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to clear mines uses tag particles dropped into ambient water across a wide area by an aircraft to sink and stick to submerged mines. The tag particles each contain a gas volume dimensioned to resonate with impinging acoustic energy and reflect portions of the impinging acoustic energy from a targeted mine. An unmanned underwater vehicle platform having a sonar system provided with at least one transducer projects the acoustic energy through the ambient water. At least one hydrophone transducer in the sonar system receives the reflected portions of the projected acoustic energy to locate a targeted mine to enable its destruction by high-energy supercavitating projectiles fired from the platform. Tag particles dissolve after a period of time to provide virtually no discernable traces of a mine hunting operation.

Abstract: A method of fuze sterilization is provided for a fuze that includes a first component and a second component with a prescribed relationship being defined therebetween. The prescribed relationship is one that is required for proper detonation operation of the fuze. The first and second components are fabricated from materials having different galvanic potentials. An electrolyte is introduced between the first and second components to initiate galvanic corrosion of one of the components. The galvanic corrosion continues for a period of time until the prescribed relationship between the first and second components changes sufficiently to disable the detonation operation of the fuze.

Abstract: A mechanical device for generating actuating movement has a housing defining a first bore and a second bore contiguous therewith. The housing also defines radial ports that allow an environment about the housing to communicate with the first bore. A first piston is slidably mounted in the first bore. A second piston is slidably mounted in the second bore and is positioned so that it is flush with the first bore. A spring, coupled to the first piston, is capable of an at-rest state in which the first piston seals off the radial ports while being spaced apart from the second piston. The spring is also capable of a compressed state in which the first piston is positioned such that the radial ports communicate with the first bore between the first and second pistons.

Abstract: Different compositions of layers forming a non-homogeneous explosive charge are selected so as to produce in response to underwater detonation of s explosive charge a gas bubble having a corresponding internal density distribution of explosion products to predetermine shape and direction of a water jet emerging from such bubble during collapse thereof for enhanced impact damage to an adjacent underwater target.

Abstract: A limpet and method for control thereof have a receiver section responsive o magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range that arm and fire a main charge. A swimmer places the limpet and enables it for control by remotely transmitted magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range. ELF to VLF frequencies provide safe and reliable communications from a remote control platform such as a land-based command station, an aircraft, surface craft, or submarine. The appropriately coded magneto-inductive signals in the ELF to VLF range are transmitted through the sea, air, beach, buildings, vegetation and sediment or any combination of these conditions to arm and fire or disarm the limpet as called for in the battle plan.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of laying a minefield in open water uses a high speed air-cushion vehicle that transports substantial quantities of mines to a target area. It then deploys the mines while it is rapidly moving, d marks and records the location of each deployed mine with GPS equipment. Mines can be emplaced at speeds and rates much greater than conventional surface ships. The speed of high speed aircushion vehicle makes it less vulnerable to attack during operations, and it is less vulnerable to other mines it may encounter during a mission. The GPS on high speed air-cushion vehicle ensures an accurate and detailed record of location of the minefield. The high speed air-cushion vehicle has much greater lift capability than aircraft used in mining missions, and, therefore, can deliver a much larger payload per sortie (under all weather conditions) while creating the minefield.

Abstract: A safety and arming device interconnecting a bomb with a target detector ures safe mine laying deployment thereof through a detonation explosive train that is armed in delayed response to payout of a lanyard under enablement control exercised by a hydrodynamic piston in response to water impact during such deployment.

Abstract: An explosive device for attachment to a user engaged in underwater demolition operations is disclosed comprising, in combination, an explosive charge, a buoyant carrier for carrying the explosive charge, and a detonator for detonating the explosive charge. The buoyant carrier includes a variable ballast pouch containing lead shot which can be removed therefrom using a control valve, thereby permitting fine control of the overall weight of the explosive device. The buoyant carrier also includes a plurality of magnets and/or suction cups for permitting the explosive device to be attached to a swimmer's backpack or to either a target surface.

Abstract: A solid explosive charge is provided with plural detonators on its outer surface at locations from which divergent shock waves simultaneously emerge for movement inwardly of the explosive body. Such shock waves form an uninterrupted wave front enclosing a progressively decreasing volume of the explosive as it converges toward the center of the charge to correspondingly increase peak implosion pressure within a body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater mine or decoy which should lie on the ocean bottom or which has buoyancy characteristics. The mine or decoy is made up of at least an expandable material and a foldable, preferably webbed shell which determines the external form of the mine. The disadvantages associated with the storage, transportation and stowage of heavy mines of fixed shape in submarines, small ships and aircraft are thereby avoided. It is possible to manufacture decoys or mines rapidly and economically, and they may have variable magnetic and/or sonar reflecting properties. The release of the decoys or mines from submerged submarines via forceful ejection is possible.

Abstract: An interdiction system to be placed upon the floor of the ocean includes a arget detection and classification system which is cooperatively connected to a hollow enclosure containing a predetermined volume at one atmosphere or less pressure. Upon target aquisition and classification, the detection and classification system actuates a mechanism to rupture the wall of the hollow enclosure. The resultant implosion caused by the ambient ocean pressure creates a high intensity shock wave in the vicinity of the system to damage the intruding vessel.

Abstract: A mine assembly comprises at least one charge module having a cylindrical shape, and an upper and lower circular surface end. An activating module for detonating the at least one charge module is operatively connected thereto. The activating module has at least a lower cylindrical end and interconnecting means provided at the upper circular end of the charge module. The interconnecting means includes a ring-shaped element having an inner diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower end of the activating module and to a diameter of other charge modules. The ring-shaped element forms an upwardly extending projection along the circular upper end surface of the charge module to provide a space thereon adapted for receiving a cylindrical end of one of the modules.

Abstract: A mine has a flexible casing which can be fabricated in much the same way at a tubeless tire of modern construction is made. The mine case when uninflated is flexible and capable of being folded into a considerably smaller space than that occupied by a rigid case thus facilitating ease of shipment, but when loaded and inflated it is rigid. Being a collapsible vessel, however, the flexible mine case loses its identity as a straight cylindrical form when planted underwater, and becomes hard to distinguish from rocks, sponge, coral, or other bottom or sea growths.

Abstract: A system for sweeping acoustic and magnetic mines or a combination of both s disclosed as comprising a pair of spatially disposed magnetic pipes that are held in their respective spatial dispositions by front and rear straps, and an acoustical energy generating pipe suspended between said front and rear straps by hinges in such manner that it is also disposed between said pair of spatially disposed magnetic pipes. A tractor vehicle moves all of the aforesaid pipes and their associated elements as a unit along a course intended to be cleared of acoustic and/or magnetic mines.

Abstract: A detonator net weapon for use primarily in anti-submarine warfare. The weapon comprises spaced, interwoven alternating lengths of nylon rope and detonator cord, and the detonator cord is ignited by conventional battery-powered target contact detectors. Floats at the top of the net control the buoyancy of the net and thus regulate its rate of descent through the water. The net weapon is stored in a compact container, and may be deployed from an airplane or from a ship into the path of a submarine, hydrofoil, torpedo, missile, or the like. The detonator cord, upon ignition, will explode with sufficient force to damage any object in contact thereof. The detonator net weapon is versatile and may be used against special types of surface ships, torpedoes, etc., and may, with minor revisions, be used in land warfare against tanks and infantry. In addition, the net weapon may be configured for use against anti-armor and/or sea-skimmer missiles.

Abstract: A smart mine includes a pair of He.sup.3 magnetic sensors exteriorly connected to a head compartment of a mine housing. A torpedo compartment for housing a torpedo completes the mine housing. The head compartment contains the sensor support electronics which includes a phase locked loop means having a pair of digital phase locked loops connected between the sensors and a difference circuit whereby a difference signal representative of the difference between the pair of He.sup.3 magnetic sensors is produced for processing in a signal processor for determining the presence of large ferromagnetic bodies and producing a torpedo firing signal.

Abstract: A naval ground mine comprising two modules (1, 2) each having a cylindrical casing (4) containing explosive material. The modules have mating end faces (5), each provided with a spigot (6). Lips (7) on adjacent spigots form an annular projection which tapers in a radially outward direction. The two modules (1, 2) are held together by a split ring (3) having a corresponding internally tapered surface (9), which embraces this annular projection. As the ring (3) is tightened, the adjacent end faces (4, 5) are drawn tightly together. The external surface of the ring provides a smooth transition between the external surfaces of the modules, so as to minimize surface discontinuity and the possibility of detection by sonar.

Abstract: A dual bouyancy elongated cylindrical naval mine connected to a similar bouyance elongated appendage, equipped with sensors, for detecting enemy vessels, having a drogue at end opposite to mine connection and suitable in size and weight for coiling appendage into a bundle for convenience in initial deployment. Initial heavy bouyancy causing mine assemble to sink to ocean floor on initial deployment, with sensors and controls capable of sensing the approach of an enemy vessel and causing mine assembly to rise to surface after blowing ballast from appendage tube/hose and mine, enabling the mine with its appendage extended by sea current action to extend to its full length covering a much greater area than a conventional anchored mine. The drogue appendage being capable of being drawn by enemy vessel's propellor suction causing appendage to wrap around propeller shaft drawing mine to it where striking propeller will explode mine at vessel's most critical area.

Abstract: An out-of-line water safing and arming device includes an out-of-line barrier assembly with an internal bore. When submerged, the bore fills with water which is entrapped by a hydrostatically-driven piston assembly to cause the barrier assembly to move to an in-line armed position. However, when the device is not utilized but is removed from the water or rises to the surface, the piston in reaction to the decrease hydrostatic pressure releases the hydraulic lock allowing the water to drain out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for guiding and increasing the effect of underwater detonation of an underwater explosive body, characterized in that a hollow space is defined adjacent the explosive body on the side thereof facing the target, whereby upon detonation of the explosive body, gases of high density are generated in the hollow space which are accelerated to high speed prior to meeting with the surrounding water.

Abstract: A sea-bottom mine actuated by a remote-control device, includes at least operational part and a plurality of explosive sections. While awaiting use, the operational part and explosive sections are kept in an elongated column-like storage arrangement with the operational part and explosive sections hinged or flexibly connected together. In the storage arrangement, the operational part and explosive sections can be releaseably locked together. When the mine is thrown into the sea, the operational part and explosive sections are displaced from the column-like storage arrangement and open out into a flat arrangement with the operational part and explosive sections still interconnected together.