Abstract: A launch container apparatus for ejection from a submerged launch platform and a method for ejecting a launch container apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosure for carrying an unmanned aerial device and a surfacing sensor configured to generate a control signal in response to detection of surfacing of the launch container apparatus. Petals are configured to provide buoyancy and stabilization for the launch container apparatus are also provided. A petal drive mechanism moves, in response to the control signal, the petals from a folded position to an expanded position.

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 submarine buoyant payload launcher system includes support rails extending longitudinally along an interior surface of a submarine missile capsule. A plurality of hold downs are spaced along the length of each rail and are retractable into the support rails. Once a payload is in position within the rails, the hold downs adjacent to the top end of the payload are rotated to their closed position, so as to contact the payload. Another payload can then be loaded within the rails until the payload contacts with the closed hold downs. As in the case of the first payload, the hold downs adjacent to the top end of this next payload are rotated to their closed position. Multiple payloads can be loaded within the rails in this manner.

Abstract: A system for launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) payload includes a launch tube, liquid rocket, and launch control assembly. The rocket is positioned in the launch tube and contains the UAV payload. A booster assembly may include a canister partially filled with liquid. A gas cylinder is filled with compressed gas. The liquid is pre-pressurized by the gas or mixed with the gas right before launch such that, upon launch, liquid and gaseous thrust stages launch the rocket to a threshold altitude. The UAV payload deploys after reaching the threshold altitude. Optional stability tubes may be connected to the launch tube, which may be buoyant for water-based operations. An optional tether may be connected to the liquid rocket for arresting its flight prior to reaching apogee. The UAV payload is not launched directly by the gas/liquid mix. A method of launching the UAV payload is also disclosed.

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 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 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: Methods and apparatus for communications between a fire control system and an effector according to various aspects of the present invention may include a communications link. The communications link may be coupled to a launcher for the effector and the effector. The communications link is detachably coupled to at least one of the launcher and the effector. The communications link may be adapted to transmit a fire control solution to the effector after initiating the launch.

Abstract: A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for deploying a sub-module from a carrier vehicle generally includes: a sub-module projectile (100) housed within a carrier vehicle; a rolling diaphragm (115) sealed between a first pressure chamber volume (145) and a second sub-module containment volume (e.g., substantially formed on the opposing side of rolling diaphragm 115 relative to pressure chamber 145); and a release mechanism (500), wherein the sub-module projectile (100) is secured until releasable deployment from the carrier vehicle. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve ejection, deployment and/or dispersal of a variety of sub-modules from a variety of carrier modules. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for the ejection and dispersal of kinetic energy rod warheads from a kill-vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a magnetically-attractable water-impermeable disk. Via operation of a drive system, the disk is movable between a sealing position, wherein it prevents water from entering the barrel by moving into alignment with the first bore, and a firing position, wherein the first water-impermeable disk moves out of alignment with the first bore.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of receiving a present route for a vehicle based on a present vehicle location and a vehicle destination, receiving obstacle information from a sensor of a sensor array, the received obstacle information including information about at least one moving obstacle, and determining if the received present route is valid based upon the received obstacle information. If the received present route is invalid, the method determines a revised route based upon the received present route, the received obstacle information, and/or the vehicle destination. A system incorporating the method may include a sensor array, a communication link, a processing module, and a navigation module. The system and method may be used to control the route of a vehicle such as an unmanned surface vehicle that may be land-based, water-based, or air-based.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a turbine that is disposed at the outlet of the muzzle of the gun. The turbine draws in water and, in various embodiments, either (a) vaporizes it, forming a vapor barrier along the spin axis that keeps water out of the barrel, (b) expels it radially, thereby re-directing it so that it does not enter the barrel, or (c) generates water jets that prevent water from entering the barrel.

Abstract: Launching payloads at high velocity uses high-pressure gas or combustion products for propulsion, with injection of high pressure gas at intervals along the path behind the payload projectile as it accelerates along the barrel of the launcher. An inner barrel has an interior diameter equal to the projectile diameter or sabot containing the projectile. An outer casing surrounds the inner barrel. Structures at intervals attach the outer casing and the inner barrel. An axial gas containment chamber (AGC) stores high pressure gas between the inner barrel wall, the outer casing wall, and enclosure bulkheads. Pressure-activated valves along the barrel sequentially release the high pressure gas contained in the AGC in to the barrel to create a continuously refreshed high energy pressure heads behind the projectile as it moves down the barrel. A frangible cover at the exit end of the barrel allows the barrel to be evacuated prior to launch. The launcher is rapidly recyclable.

Abstract: A missile system has target detection and target destruction facilities interlinked by digital communication lines, the target detection facilities including a sonar and a digital receiver for space intelligence radio signals, wherein the sonar and the digital receiver for space intelligence radio signals are mounted on a self-elevating buoy placed inside a sealed radio-transparent case.

Abstract: A capsule adapted for disposition in a submarine launch tube for retaining the missile until launch thereof. The capsule includes a cylindrically shaped housing including a plurality of layers of glass fibers and layers of graphite, the layers including an outer layer of glass fibers defining an outer skin of the housing, and an inner layer of glass fibers. A titanium flange is fixed on the housing and in contact with the layers of graphite. An adhesive layer is disposed on the outer skin and an interface support pad is mounted on the outer skin and retained thereon by the adhesive layer. A layer of metal foil is disposed inboard of the adhesive layer and between the outer layer of glass fibers and the inner layer of glass fibers, to serve as a barrier to products of galvanic reaction occurring between the graphite layers and the titanium flange.

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: The present invention relates to a capsule sized to contain a weapon for launching and to withstand depth pressures. A telescoping nose section of the capsule, normally unextended around the weapon, extends at launch along a longitudinal axis of the capsule to provide the buoyancy used to lift the capsule out of a stored state and to ascent the capsule towards the surface. Once the surface is reached, a nose cone of the capsule is jettisoned to allow the weapon to exit the capsule.

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 missile launcher comprising a canister for housing a missile and piston based launcher, the piston being arrested in the tube after launch of the missile.

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: 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 assembly of underwater bodies and a launcher therefor. The assembly is adapted for mounting on a submarine outside the pressure hull. The assembly includes a launcher having a housing for enclosing an underwater body, a body support structure within the housing for supporting the body, a pressure regulator system in communication with the housing for imposing a selected pressure on an interior of the housing, a hatch pivotally mounted on the housing, and an actuator for opening the hatch to permit the body to exit the hatch, and for closing the hatch. The underwater body is a self-propelled body adapted to exit by gravity from the launcher. A release device is disposed on the launcher for releasing the body from the launcher to permit the exit of the body from the launcher by gravity.

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: 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: An apparatus for launching an object in a fluid environment having a tubular member with a forward muzzle end, an opposed rearward end. The object is positioned in the tubular member. Ends of the tubular member are closed by expellable members. Flood valves are located on the expellable members and, on activation, allow flooding of the tubular member by external fluid. A propellant device and an object contact member are disposed within the tubular member. When the propellant device is activated, the object contact member moves the object. These actions are controlled by a control device which first causes the flood valves to enable fluid to flood the interior region. Next, the control device causes the expellable members to be expelled from the tubular member. The control device then causes the propellant device to generate gas in a predetermined manner launching the object from the tubular member.

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 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: A marine countermeasures launch assembly includes a cylindrical body including first and second members having, respectively, first and second surfaces engageable with each other to form the body, the first surface having first and second recesses therein, the second surface having first and second recesses therein opposed to the recesses of the first member when the members are engaged, to form a first chamber for retaining a first countermeasure and a second chamber for retaining a second countermeasure. The first and second surfaces have opposed bores therein. A spring is disposed in each pair of the opposed bores and urges the members to separate from each other to release the countermeasures after the assembly is launched.

Abstract: A portable data acquisition system for use in certifying torpedo tube-launched weapons such as a Mark 48/ADCAP, a Tomahawk missile or a Harpoon and the like. The system includes a portable computer, a rugged four slot chassis, a 32 channel multiplexing module, a four channel isolation amplifier with excitation, eight channel isolation amplifier, a custom signal conditioning module, an associated terminal block and interface cables. The system has the unique feature of obtaining live data for quick analysis about the launched weapon using the torpedo tube as opposed to the post launch data for analysis. All the components are housed in a shock resilient and weather-tight container.

Abstract: A supercavitating underwater projectile adapted to be fired from a gun or the like, comprising a front end or nose portion and a rear end portion. An auxiliary rocket motor is disposed within the rear end portion of the projectile for providing additional thrust after the projectile has been fired. Vents are disposed within the projectile and are in communication with the rocket motor and the exterior of the projectile for venting some of the combustion gases from the rocket motor to the exterior of the projectile near the nose portion thereof to increase the size of the cavitation bubble formed as the projectile travels through the water and thereby reduce hydrodynamic drag on the projectile.

Abstract: A vehicle launch assembly for underwater platforms includes a water tank mounted on the platform, and a plunger movably disposed in the tank and dividing the tank into first and second zones, the first zone being in communication with a. water environment in which the platform is disposed, and the second zone being in communication with a launch tube inlet line mounted on the platform. An actuator is connected to the plunger and is operable to move the plunger in the tank. A triggering device initiates operation of the actuator, moving the plunger in the tank to push water from the tank second zone to the launch tube inlet line to eject a vehicle from the launch tube, or moving the plunger to enlarge the tank second zone to draw water thereinto from a valve in communication with the water environment and the tank.

Abstract: A deployable nose is used on an underwater vehicle to provide a shorter length when in a retracted position and to provide a reduced drag when in the deployed position. The deployable nose includes a plurality of nose sections and a deployment mechanism that moves the plurality of nose sections from the retracted position to the deployed position. The nose sections include a base nose section attached at the end of the underwater vehicle, an outer nose section having a rounded contour, and one or more intermediate nose sections between the base nose section and outer nose section. In the retracted position, the outer nose section and one or more intermediate nose sections are retracted generally within the base nose section. In the deployed position, the outer nose section and intermediate nose sections extend outwardly from the base nose section and interlock proximate the edges of the nose sections to form the deployed nose.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an enclosure for installation in the seabed comprising an elongate container for holding a payload. The container has a plurality of passages extending lengthwise of the container and an impeller at the lower end of the container for drawing water through at least one or said passages to form a slurry with the material of the seabed and for discharging the slurry at the upper end of the container into the surrounding water. The enclosure has inner and outer concentric passageways extending lengthwise thereof and said impeller has a blade or blades extending across the inner and outer passageways. The blade of the impeller has a first portion pitched to draw water down one of the passageways to the lower end of the container and a second portion pitched to discharge slurry up the other of the passageways to the top of the container.

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 invention features a self-contained enclosure-plus-enclosed contexture and the implementation thereof in a multi-phase launching system, according to which the waterborne first phase entails naturally (buoyantly) induced motion, and at least the airborne second phase entails artificially (technologically) induced motion. Typical inventive practice provides a launch canister which is exteriorly configured to be hydrodynamically efficient while moving buoyantly upward in response to hydrostatic pressure, and which has a chamber for stowing an air vehicle. The inventive vehicle-stowing canister is released underwater so as to be buoyantly propelled upward and into the air, at which time the air vehicle is mechanistically propelled (e.g., boosted), in response to which the canister becomes disjointed cooperatively with the uncoupling of the air vehicle from the canister. The air vehicle continues to propulsively ascend, the canister's nose cone and main body gravitationally falling to the water below.