Abstract: A field configurable autonomous vehicle includes modular elements and attachable components. The vehicle can be assembled from these modular elements and components to meet desired mission and performance characteristics without the need to purchase specially designed vehicles for each mission. The main body of the vehicle is a spherical body.

Abstract: A payload delivery system for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium includes a containment system. The containment system includes a container and a dehiscing system. The container includes a pressure-resistant shell defining a sealed containment chamber. The dehiscing system is operative to dehisce the shell to open the containment chamber to the submersion medium responsive to a prescribed event and/or a prescribed environmental condition.

Abstract: A payload delivery unit for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium comprises a container including a pressure resistant shell and a resilient seal device. The shell defines a containment chamber and includes first and second shell members having opposed first and second sealing faces, respectively. The seal device engages and is interposed between the first and second sealing faces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.

Abstract: A payload delivery system for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium includes a containment system. The containment system includes a container and a dehiscing system. The container includes a pressure-resistant shell defining a sealed containment chamber. The dehiscing system is operative to dehisce the shell to open the containment chamber to the submersion medium responsive to a prescribed event and/or a prescribed environmental condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing configured to telescope vertically from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes surveillance, command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid. The projectile in use with the launch system can support surveillance and communications operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing configured to telescope vertically from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes surveillance, command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid. The projectile in use with the launch system can support surveillance and communications operations.

Abstract: An underwater water cannon defense system includes an underwater vehicle, a water cannon coupled to the vehicle, one or more nozzles mounted on the vehicle and directed away therefrom, and water distribution valving mounted in the vehicle that distributes pressurized water to the water cannon and the one or more nozzles in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for prevention of inadvertent weapons launches in which a hydraulic firing valve provides hydraulic pressure to a backup select valve rather than the backup select valve receiving hydraulic pressure directly from a ship supply header. This hydraulic pressure shifts the backup select valve to allow hydraulic pressure to pass to a mode select control valve that actuates a controllable air-firing valve, until a hydraulic firing valve for the weapon is opened. The backup select valve actuation can only occur with the initiation of the hydraulic firing valve. Only after the hydraulic firing valve is open, does the backup select valve initiate hydraulic pressure to the mode select control valve thereby preventing hydraulic actuation of the backup select valve.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle object ejection control system stores a plurality of pump speed command profiles. Each pump speed command profile is based on vehicle depth, vehicle speed, type of object being ejected, maximum noise emission magnitude during object ejection, and object exit velocity. The system also receives data representative of current vehicle depth, current vehicle speed, and the type of object being ejected. In response to these data, the system retrieves one of the plurality of pump speed command profiles and supplies pump speed commands representative of the retrieved pump speed command profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing configured to telescope vertically from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes surveillance, command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid. The projectile in use with the launch system can support surveillance and communications operations.

Abstract: An underwater missile launch system includes one or more missile loading modules for supporting a plurality of missiles in a stackable, in-line configuration within a pressure vessel. The missiles are arranged inside the modules, which may be stacked in groups inside a single pressure vessel, or payload bay. Each module is preferably substantially identical including a common size, shape, and payload of missiles in common with the module above and below it. A one-way positioning latch is provided that prevents the upper missiles from dropping down on top of the lower missiles, while allowing the lower missiles to later pass up through the same launch tube as the upper missiles, after the upper missiles have been ejected.

Abstract: An underwater missile launch system includes one or more missile loading modules for supporting a plurality of missiles disposed within protective capsules in a stackable, in-line configuration within a pressure vessel. The missiles are arranged inside the modules, which may be stacked in groups inside a single pressure vessel, or payload bay. Each module is preferably substantially identical including a common size, shape, and payload of missiles in common with the module above and below it. A one-way positioning latch is provided that prevents the upper missiles from dropping down on top of the lower missiles, while allowing the lower missiles to later pass up through the same launch tube as the upper missiles, after the upper missiles have been ejected.

Abstract: A torpedo launch system for a marine vessel includes an impulse tank connected via a straight water inlet tube to an inlet orifice in an outer casing of the vessel. A launch tube extends through the impulse tank to the outer casing, and through a pressure hull of the vessel to terminate at a rear door. Pressurized water is provided to the launch tube to launch a torpedo by mounting an impeller in the impulse tank. The impeller pumps water into the impulse tank to develop a pressure which is transmitted to the launch tube when a valve in the impulse tank is opened. The impeller is driven by a motor which receives power via cables which pass through the pressure hull. The impulse tank and motor are between the outer casing and the pressure hull.

Abstract: An air bag launch assembly is disclosed which allows for modular loading onto a submarine, the launch of weapons or vehicles external to the submarine pressure hull, while also achieving greater packing density. The air bag launch assembly includes a large, watertight pressure container; one or more smaller, watertight canisters used to contain the weapon or vehicle. The canisters are sized to fit within the larger pressure container. An air bag inflator is attached to the top and/or sides of the small canister to buoy the canister out of the container.

Abstract: A launcher for torpedoes and underwater vehicles includes an inlet recess in fluid communication with a shutterway recess. A primary shutterway is provided both for ejection of the vehicle and for supplying fluid intake to the launcher. A pump circulates fluid from the inlet recess to the shutterway recess, and a launch tube houses a vehicle such as a weapon, within the launcher prior to launch thereof. A slide valve and impulse tank combination are positioned intermediate the pump and the launch tube, such that the slide valve controls a flow of fluid to the launch tube. A guide can is positioned at the shutterway recess for guiding the vehicle from the launch tube to an exterior of the launcher and fluid within the launcher is continually moderated to enable selective launch of the vehicle with a fluid force.

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: A system for launching bodies from a submarine includes a pump for transferring seawater to an elastomeric ejection tank, and a check valve that permits transfer of the seawater to the tank, and closes upon filling of the tank. The valve includes a head and a seat, a stem having fixed thereon the head and a disk having a circular protrusion extending toward the seat, a cup mounted around the stem and having a circular depression in a surface thereof, and radially extending holes disposed in the cup. During valve closure, the disk protrusion enters the cup depression forcing water in the depression to exit the cup through a primary restrictive path of an annular gap between the protrusion and depression and a secondary restrictive path of the radially extending holes, to slow the valve head in movement during engagement with the valve seat.

Abstract: An elastomeric disk for use in an elastomeric ejection system in which a thickened curvature protrudes from both sides of a central plane of the disk. Integral to each curvature is an annulet which dovetails from the curvatures to a periphery of the disk. The thickness of the annulet in regard to the central plane is greater on the fluid pressure side of the disk thereby shifting material strain to the center of the disk during expanding deformation. The annulet shape is attachable to the elastomeric ejection system by a clamp of the system.

Abstract: A missile launch assembly for underwater vehicles includes a launch tank having mounted therein an expandable elastomeric disc and a turbine, a water inlet conduit, an impulse tank interconnecting the water inlet conduit and a missile launch tube, and a pump inducer mounted in the water inlet conduit and drivable by the turbine. Movement of the disc from an expanded to a non-expanded condition causes water in the launch tank to drive the turbine to drive the pump inducer to pump water from the water inlet conduit to the impulse tank and thence to the launch tube to effect launch of a missile therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid pressure recovery includes an elongated housing having an opening at a first end thereof, an opening at a second end thereof, an inner peripheral surface, and a fluid flow passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a plurality of choke members fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing, each of the plurality of choke members being spaced from an adjacent choke member and projecting a predetermined distance into the fluid flow passageway of the longitudinal housing. The plurality of choke members sequentially produce a reduced turbulent free shear fluid layer from the first end to the second end of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A launching apparatus including a launch tube having fore and aft ends, each end having an opening formed therein. A muzzle cap is fitted to the fore end and a breech mounting is formed at the aft end. A primary housing is seated in the aft end, the primary housing having fore and aft ends. A first telescoping cylinder containing a first telescoping piston is positioned within the fore end of the housing and a second telescoping cylinder containing a second telescoping piston is positioned within the aft end of the housing. A ram plate and a breech mounting are connected to the first and second pistons respectively. A gas generator is provided within the housing and a projectile is seated between the ram plate and muzzle cap. The first and second cylinders and the first and second pistons expand from the housing and propel the projectile.

Abstract: An underwater launcher of a vehicle in a launching tube outside the pressure hull of a submerged launch platform is unaffected by launch depth. A muzzle cap at one end of the tube communicates with ambient water and a ram plate at the other end communicates through openings with ambient water. Rigid elongate segments extend inside the tube between the cap and the plate, and a launch mechanism connected to the platform and tube has an expansion chamber sealed from ambient water and contains a gas driven turbine rotating a pump-inducer communicating through the openings with the ambient water. The pump inducer is adjacent to the plate to simultaneously displace the plate, elongate segments, vehicle, and cap in the tube and eject the vehicle. The plate, elongate segments, and cap decouple from the vehicle as it leaves the tube and safely sink away from the launch platform.

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: The invention provides a system for attaching one or more unmanned, hydroamically shaped, autonomous, undersea platforms to the bow of a submarine. An array of depressions, each matching the shape of the platforms, is provided in the bow of the submarine, equally spaced about the circumference of the submarine. Once seated in the depressions and attached to the submarine, the platforms provide a smooth, hydrodynamic shape to the bow of the submarine. Additionally, conformal arrays on the platforms mate with conformal arrays on the bow of the submarine to form a continuous conformal array and the platforms' weapons systems provide the submarine with forward deployed weapons when the platforms are attached. A platform is launched by detaching it from the submarine bow and raising the leading edge of the platform slightly into the water flow around the bow. Hydrodynamic forces lift the platform away from the submarine for an acoustically quiet launch.

Abstract: The present invention, as disclosed and taught herein, comprises apparatus nd method for an underwater turret system suitable for use on surface or underwater vessels. The turret system is housed in an underwater bay from which the turret may be deployed and operated. After operational use the turret system is retracted into the bay whereupon the bay and the system are flushed with rinse water, evacuated and dried by passing drying air through the bay. In a preferred embodiment the turret is fitted with an underwater weapon and operated to attack underwater targets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the kinematics of pivoting elements designed to open substantially simultaneously to allow a clear passage of a weapon in a weapon launch tube equipped with a weapon launch circuit via an air distributor on board a submarine. The invention includes on the axis of rotation of each pivoting element and on the axis of rotation of a rotary element connected to the air distributor, a mechanism for converting a rotation into a translation, a mechanism for converting a translation into a rotation, and an associated mechanism for quantifying these conversions. The mechanism for converting a translation into a rotation on the axis of rotation of the rotary element is activated by the mechanism for converting a rotation into a translation on the axis of rotation of each pivoting element in association with the quantification mechanisms.

Abstract: A bladder assembly for retaining and discharging a fluid under pressure iudes a first expandable elastomeric bladder member having a first annularly-shaped base end for anchoring to a foundation and defining a first fixed end, and a first dome-shaped wall portion upstanding from the first fixed end and defining a first movable end. The assembly further includes a second expandable elastomeric bladder member disposed within and contiguous to the first bladder member, and having a second annularly-shaped base end for anchoring to the foundation and defining a second fixed end, and a second dome-shaped wall portion upstanding from the second fixed end and defining a second movable end. The first and second bladder members and the foundation are joined by fixing the first and second base ends to the foundation.

Abstract: An article ejector for use in marine applications which uses elastomeric ices for storing elastomeric energy to eject an article. Pressurized water is used for causing the devices to expand and store elastomeric energy at levels for ejecting the article at one of at least two velocities. A valve is provided for releasing the water and causing the elastomeric devices to release the stored elastomeric energy and move the water at a high velocity and force. The devices, water and valve are contained in a support housing connected with a launch tube, wherein upon the release of the stored elastomeric energy, the elastomeric devices move the water through the support housing and into the launch tube for ejecting the article at one of the at least two velocities.

Abstract: There is presented an elastomeric pump including a rigid outer housing deing an outer chamber and having a fluid inlet thereinto. The pump further includes an inner housing disposed within the outer housing. The inner housing is provided with rigid walls and first and second expandable members, the first expandable member having greater elasticity than the second expandable member, the rigid walls and expandable members defining an inner chamber. A fluid conduit extends from the inner chamber to the exterior of the outer housing. A rigid cage is fixed to the inner housing and is disposed over the first expandable member, and is configured to permit and limit expansion of the first expandable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized liquid to a launch tube for launng projectiles into a liquid medium. The device comprises an elastomeric bladder disposed inside a cylindrical bypass tube. The forward end of the bypass tube is open to the liquid medium, and the aft end of the tube is hydraulically connected to the launch tube. The elastomeric bladder is externally of generally cylindrical shape and has an open aft end, a closed forward end and a side wall of varying thickness. The open end of the bladder is hydraulically connected to valves which act to control charging of the bladder and firing of the bladder. The bladder expands to contact the wall of the bypass tube when the bladder is filled with pressurized seawater. Ultimately the whole bladder will act to seal the bypass tube by contact with the bypass tube wall to prevent the external liquid medium from communicating with the launch tube through the bypass tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized liquid to a launch tube for launng projectiles into a liquid medium. The device comprises an elastomeric bladder disposed inside a cylindrical bypass tube. The bypass tube is hollow with a sealing ring disposed on the inner surface of the tube. One end of the bypass tube is open to the liquid medium, and the other end of the tube is hydraulically connected to the launch tube. The elastomeric bladder is of generally cylindrical shape with an annular thinned portion. The open end of the bladder is hydraulically connected to a valve which controls charging of the bladder, storage of liquid within the bladder and discharge of the bladder. The bladder expands when it is filled with pressurized seawater thereby causing the thinned portion of the bladder to contact the sealing ring and seal the bypass tube to prevent the external liquid medium from communicating with the launch tube through the bypass tube.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for a submarine balanced ejection system incing upper and lower launch tubes and upper and lower launch tube ejection systems, the assembly including a hull insert fixed in the pressure hull of the submarine and having first and second openings therein, a valve spool rotatably mounted and having ports therein selectively alignable with the first and second openings and with the upper and lower launch tubes and upper and lower launch tube ejection systems.

Abstract: A submarine is equipped with a conventional main hydraulic system and has least one hydraulic actuator located outside the vessel's pressurized hull where it is susceptible to contamination of its hydraulic fluid. The actuator is operated from an isolation system that includes a slave piston driven by a power piston from the main hydraulic system to keep a desired pressure in the secondary system by operating the power piston only as required for this purpose. Both power and slave piston positions are related and a two position limit switch is tripped by switch actuators linked to these pistons for operating the power and slave pistons. This isolation system prevents any contaminants in the external system from contaminating the internal system.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for a torpedo having a projection thereon including support mounted on the torpedo tube adjacent the projection, and a control member movable on the support transversely of the torpedo tube. The control member has a control surface with a series of abutment surfaces for the projection to limit motion of the torpedo within the tube. A first transverse abutment surface limits movement of the torpedo towards the muzzle end of the tube during loading, and a second transverse abutment surface cooperates with a portion of the first abutment surface to limit movement of the torpedo in either direction axially in the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is capable of a rapid firing sequence for an nderwater dual barrel launcher. An air cylinder assembly drives a water piston housed in a water cylinder in either of two opposing piston stroke directions. The water cylinder is continually supplied and balanced with sea pressure. A piston stroke in a first direction pressurizes impulse water in the water cylinder that is then supplied to a first launch tube of the dual barrel launcher. A piston stroke in an opposing second direction again pressurizes impulse water in the water cylinder that is then supplied to a second launch tube. Thus, each opposing piston stroke is a power stroke.

Abstract: A blowout system for ejection and discharge tubes of submarines is provided which permits an ejection of weapons from a torpedo tube, said weapons not having an own propulsion, and which prevents the intrusion of water after the blowout operation is terminated. The system is subsequently installable as a compact unit and has an outlet opening which is closed by a check valve. The outlet opening is continued by a buffer tube, a blowout valve arranged between a compressed-gas container and said buffer tube being provided for supplying said compressed gas.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a stored energy projectile launcher of the type hav an energy storage device that is pressurized by a fluid. The projectile is mechanically latched in its launch tube and the aft end of the projectile cooperates with the breach end of the launch tube to define a breach chamber that communicates with and is pressurized with the bladder. A valve in a line from the breach chamber is electrically controlled to move a piston and release the mechanical latch when fluid pressure is provided to the piston chamber. The pressure used to overcome the force needed to raise the piston is taken from the energy storage device. No addition of energy to the system is required, with the exception of a short electrical impulse signal, to open a full port valve acting instantaneously on the rear face of the projectile.

Abstract: A bimodal flow restriction device having an open condition and a closed cition is disclosed. In its open condition, an annular fluid flow path defined between a torpedo enclosed within a larger torpedo tube is open to support a torpedo launch in a swim-out mode. In order to facilitate a swim-out launch, water must flow from the forward portion of the torpedo, along its body and into its propeller. In its closed condition, the annular fluid flow path defined between the torpedo enclosed within the larger torpedo tube is closed-off to enable torpedo launch in a pump-ejection mode. In the preferred embodiment, plural, cooperative elbows are disposed about an inside circumference of the torpedo tube, and are radially movable between a closed condition, where they provide an annular impediment in the annular fluid flow path to enable operation in the pump-ejection mode, and an open condition, where the annular fluid flow path is open, to enable operation in the swim-out mode.

Abstract: A device for storing potential energy in the form of a distended elastome bladder and rapidly converting that stored energy into kinetic energy of a working fluid for quietly ejecting a projectile from the device into the surrounding fluid medium.

Abstract: An expelling mechanism adapted for use with discharge tubes and drain tubes of submarines for ejecting a weapon by compressed air includes a chamber formed with an outlet opening, and adapted to substantially communicate selectively with a storage container holding compressed gas, a discharge valve which may be moved towards the opening in a closing direction, and away therefrom in an opening direction at a selectable opening velocity, and a hydraulic control device for controlling the movement of the discharge valve. The hydraulic control device includes a cylinder adapted to be filled with hydraulic fluid, a piston reciprocally movable along a stroke within the cylinder, and partitioning the cylinder into two cylinder chambers, an overflow channel establishing communication between the cylinder chambers, and a connecting device connecting the discharge valve with the hydraulic control device.