Abstract: A submersible vessel having wing and keel assemblies that are extendable for wind-powered surface operation and retractable to reduce drag for submerged operation or to place the vessel in a more compact configuration. A deployment mechanism including an actuator and linkage pivots the wing and keel assemblies-simultaneously between the deployed and retracted configuration. The vessel may have first and second pressure hulls flanking the wing and keel assemblies. A drive mechanism including a motor and a gear train employing pulley-and-cable assemblies rotates either the wing and flap together such that the flap angle relative to the wing is constant, or to change the flap angle relative to the wing with the wing angle of incidence held constant. The invention also provides a retractable wind-powered propulsion apparatus that is mountable to the hull assembly of a submersible or non-submersible vessel.

Abstract: A thruster assembly that in addition to propulsion provides water flow to/from compartments and systems on board a vessel. In a first position, the thruster assembly provides propulsion/steering. Pivoted to a second position, operation of the thruster in a first direction draws a flow into the vessel and in a second direction draws a flow out of the vessel. The flows may be conveyed to/from compartments/systems on board the vessel via conduits in communication with a chamber having an opening through which the thruster drives the flows. The flows may be used to submerge/surface the vessel, or to provide systems cooling or serve other functions. Pivoted to a third position the thruster assembly is retracted and enclosed within the chamber to form a hydrodynamically clean exterior.

Abstract: A submersible vessel having wing and keel assemblies that are extendable for wind-powered surface operation and retractable to reduce drag for submerged operation or to place the vessel in a more compact configuration. A deployment mechanism including an actuator and linkage pivots the wing and keel assemblies-simultaneously between the deployed and retracted configuration. The vessel may have first and second pressure hulls flanking the wing and keel assemblies. A drive mechanism including a motor and a gear train employing pulley-and-cable assemblies rotates either the wing and flap together such that the flap angle relative to the wing is constant, or to change the flap angle relative to the wing with the wing angle of incidence held constant. The invention also provides a retractable wind-powered propulsion apparatus that is mountable to the hull assembly of a submersible or non-submersible vessel.

Abstract: A thruster assembly that in addition to propulsion provides water flow to/from compartments and systems on board a vessel. In a first position, the thruster assembly provides propulsion/steering. Pivoted to a second position, operation of the thruster in a first direction draws a flow into the vessel and in a second direction draws a flow out of the vessel. The flows may be conveyed to/from compartments/systems on board the vessel via conduits in communication with a chamber having an opening through which the thruster drives the flows. The flows may be used to submerge/surface the vessel, or to provide systems cooling or serve other functions. Pivoted to a third position the thruster assembly is retracted and enclosed within the chamber to form a hydrodynamically clean exterior.