Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for launching an anautical vehicle from a submerged platform such as a submarine. The system includes a buoy configured to be deployed from a launching tube onboard the submerged platform, which buoy contains the aeronautical vehicle to be launched. The system further includes a gas generator for creating a pressure force which causes the buoy with the encapsulated aeronautical vehicle to be deployed from the launch platform. Once deployed, the buoy inflates a buoyancy device for putting the buoy in a partially submerged position and damping plates for resisting vertical movement of the buoy and wave motion. The buoy has a ballast arrangement for maintaining it in a substantially vertical orientation. The buoy further has an antenna for receiving commands to launch the aeronautical vehicle.

Abstract: A submergible towed body system carries an acoustic transmission/reception evice under the surface of the water and relays signals between the acoustic transmission/reception device and a surface platform. An elongated support frame has upper and lower horizontal frame sections maintained in a parallel spaced apart relationship by a plurality of vertical frame supports. A float is attached on top of the upper horizontal frame section and a tow point depends from the upper horizontal frame section. Attached to the upper and lower horizontal frame sections is a combination tilt and pan mechanism that allows the acoustic transmission/reception device to pan through a prescribed horizontal angle and tilt through a prescribed vertical angle. Circuitry is mounted between the upper and lower horizontal frame sections and aft of the tilt and pan mechanism for electrically connecting the surface platform to the acoustic transmission/reception device.

Abstract: A position and velocity determining system, that uses two functioned receiver-transmitters. In performing a first function, each receiver-transmitter transmits an acoustic pulse at a unique frequency, in response to a first received accoustic pulse. In performing a second function, each receiver-transmitter transmits a continuous acoustic signal at a unique frequency, in response to a second received acoustic pulse.