Abstract: A miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly 106 that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship, a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo to the ship. The torpedo is constructed to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle. A targeting and control apparatus is employed with the torpedo that provides wire guidance to the torpedo and an ability to communication with other aparatus to coordinate an attack with multiple torpedos.

Abstract: A method and a device for launching an underwater moving body. In order to reduce the expenses arising from furnishing watercraft, a land supported deployment of underwater moving bodies in coastal waters using a launching device is provided with a land-based carrier system for transporting the underwater moving body and a corresponding land-based deploying system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for pre-positioning a canister assembly at an undersea location. A transporter deploys to and releases the assembly proximate to the desired location. Once the assembly has fallen a safe distance after release, spring bands of the assembly are released by the action of lanyards of the transporter. The release allows anchor plates on each end of the assembly to separate from the assembly thereby dragging the assembly to a seafloor with the assembly buoyant at the undersea location. A vehicle deployment from the assembly is actuated by an acoustic receiver that causes a release device to release a normally compressed spring thereby allowing the spring to expand. During expansion, water is drawn into the assembly through flow ports to force a plunger plate with the water to act on a vehicle to deploy the vehicle out of a deployment tube of the assembly.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for pre-positioning a canister assembly at an undersea location. A transporter deploys to and releases the assembly proximate to the desired location. Once the assembly has fallen a safe distance after release, spring bands of the assembly are released by the action of lanyards of the transporter. The release allows anchor plates on each end of the assembly to separate from the assembly thereby dragging the assembly to a seafloor with the assembly buoyant at the undersea location. A vehicle deployment from the assembly is actuated by an acoustic receiver that causes a release device to release a normally compressed spring thereby allowing the spring to expand. During expansion, water is drawn into the assembly through flow ports to force a plunger plate with the water to act on a vehicle to deploy the vehicle out of a deployment tube of the assembly.

Abstract: An inlet system for an inlet in a flow field includes an inlet recess housing having an interior with forward and rear end walls, a base wall, and an opening formed in an upper surface thereof. An intake duct is formed in a rear end wall of the inlet recess. An inlet door has a first end pivotally connected to a forward wall and a trailing edge directed to the rear end wall of the inlet housing such that the inlet door selectively closes the opening of the inlet housing. An overlap member can extend from the rear end wall of the inlet recess to a predetermined distance adjacent a trailing edge of the door. A deflector is provided having an end deflecting portion in contact with the trailing edge of the door over at least a portion of the inlet door's pivoting path. Side deflecting portions project from the end deflecting portion toward the front wall of the inlet housing.

Abstract: An assembly for launching bodies from an underwater platform having a pressure hull, and an outer hull subject to free flooding. The assembly includes a module having a proximal end outboard of the pressure hull portion of the platform, a distal end disposed proximate and in alignment with a launch opening in the outer hull portion, and a chamber in the module extending from the distal end of the module to proximate the proximal end of the module, the module chamber being adapted to receive and retain one of the bodies. Support structure on the platform retains the module. A pump on the platform is in communication with water outside the pressure hull, and an impulse tank on the platform is in communication with the pump. A manifold is in communication with the impulse tank for directing outflow of water from the impulse tank to the chamber to eject the body from the chamber.

Abstract: An underwater launch system includes a launch tube frangibly sealed at its forward end. At launch time, pressure equalization means introduces water at depth pressure into the launch tube between its frangibly sealed ends. A rotary electromagnetic pump coupled to the launch tube receives water at depth and expels the water at a higher pressure. The higher pressure water is coupled to the aft end of the launch tube.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular, to a torpedo tube having supporting devices able to support the torpedo and limit its friction when launched, such as slides. These supporting devices may be variable-geometry devices able to assume at least two positions, namely one through which there passes a circle whose diameter is equal to the maximum permissible diameter of the torpedo, and a second through which there passes a circle with a smaller diameter than the permissible diameter. These supporting devices may include inflatable bladders.

Abstract: An appended pod underwater gun mount for a submersible host vessel includes a strut member having a base end fixed to an outer hull of the submersible host vessel and a distal end protruding outwardly from the host vessel, the distal end being angled with respect to the base end, and an ammunition housing moveably fixed to the distal end of the strut member. A train control mechanism is positioned between the strut member and the ammunition housing for controlling the horizontal rotation of the ammunition housing with respect to the host vessel, and a tilt control mechanism is positioned between the strut member and the ammunition housing for controlling the vertical rotation of the ammunition housing with respect to the host vessel. A flexible boot is connected to the ammunition housing and surrounds each of the train control mechanism and the tilt control mechanism to protect the mechanisms from an underwater environment.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for launching or retrieving a vessel. This apparatus includes a first vertical member having a top and a bottom end. A lower vessel engagement hook is positioned at the lower end of the vertical member. A second vertical member is positioned in parallel spaced relation to the first vertical member. An upper vessel engagement structure is positioned at the lower end of the second vertical member in spaced opposed relation to the lower vehicle engagement hook. The second vertical member moves axially upwardly and downwardly to allow for engagement with the vessel.

Abstract: A submersible device launcher includes an external cage structure including t least a base, an overhead reinforcing member and a plurality of corner posts connecting the base to the overhead reinforcing member. A launcher barrel is mounted to the external cage structure, a half-wall is mounted to and braced against the base of the external cage structure at a peripheral edge thereof, and an impulse cylinder is mounted to the half wall for connection to the launcher barrel. A firing valve is anchored to the base of the external cage structure, a first support bench is mounted to a first corner post of the external cage structure, and an air flask is seated on the first support bench and held in a stationary position thereon by prong members extending upwardly from the first support bench and further attached to a corner post by a band member.