Abstract: A baffle system for mitigating thruster wake deficit is provided in the environment of an underwater vehicle. The baffle system includes at least one baffle member initially housed within a thruster housing of the underwater vehicle and an actuating member for selectively positioning the at least one baffle member into a fluid flow over an outer surface of the underwater vehicle. The baffle members deflect the fluid flow from the thruster into surface contact with the outer surface of the underwater vehicle aft of the thruster housing on a discharge side thereof and directs the fluid flow into the thruster housing on an intake side thereof. The baffles may be as few as two and as many as four, and are selectively introduced into the fluid flow passing over the outer surface of the vehicle to direct the fluid flow accordingly.

Abstract: There is presented a fiber optic coupler assembly for disposition in an urwater bulkhead, the coupler assembly comprising a hydraulic fitting portion of substantially cylindrical configuration and having first threads on an exterior portion thereof. A first shank portion extends axially from the fitting portion and has formed thereon as an integral portion thereof a collar portion configured as a nut. A second shank portion extends axially from the collar portion, and a hub portion extends axially from the second shank portion and has second threads thereon. A tubular portion extends axially from the fitting portion in a direction opposite from the first shank portion. A bore extends through the tubular portion, fitting portion, first shank portion, second shank portion, and hub portion and is configured to receive known fiber optic terminators.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressurizing a submarine launch tube in order to launch a evice therefrom includes a weighted first piston received in a vertically disposed first cylinder member, a second piston received in a second cylinder member, a connecting rod mechanically connecting the first and second pistons and a conduit connecting the second cylinder member to a launch tube. The first piston member is constructed such that downward gravitational movement thereof in the first cylinder member is operative for moving the second piston member in the second cylinder member in order to force water received in the second cylinder member outwardly under pressure through the conduit and into the launch tube.

Abstract: A hold down interconnection stick is provided which is fastened to the ou walls of a container of an electronic system and to the electronic printed circuit boards which form a part of the electronic system. The stick is also provided with heat dissipating means to carry away the heat generated during the operation of the electronic system so as to enable the electronic components function within their tolerances of temperature. The fastening means provide a vibration-free system and thus reduces any vibration-induced noise.