MARINE VESSEL DISABLEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

An example is directed to a marine vessel disablement system including an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead; a propulsion mechanism disabling member disposed in the warhead; and an energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member to mechanically disable a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/525,208, filed Jul. 6, 2023, entitled MARINE VESSEL DISABLEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

The present invention was made with support from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and by an employee of DHS in the performance of their official duties. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

FIELD

The discussion below relates generally to apparatuses and methods for disabling a marine vessel and, more specifically, for doing so in a nonlethal manner that may be reversible.

BACKGROUND

Capabilities exist for maritime law enforcement professionals to enforce maritime security by employing directed energy devices capable of stopping small vessels using small, portable, reversible means with nonlethal options, such as tear gas, pepper bullets, and the like. Such approaches are largely ineffective or infeasible in certain conditions and against certain target profiles. In addition, some propulsion systems, vessel types, and sea states preclude the use of traditional ballistic or less than lethal approaches.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods of disabling a maritime vessel such as a small, fast-moving, noncompliant vessel (NCV) in a non-lethal manner that does not directly cause loss of human lives in the maritime vessel. In some examples, the disablement is reversible, i.e., it does not cause irreversible or irreparable damage to the target vessel. The disabling tool may simply need to be removed. Alternatively, the disabling tool may cause damage to the maritime vessel which will need to be repaired. The repair may involve restoring or replacing one or more parts or components of the vessel, such as parts or components of the propulsion system.

An aspect is directed to a marine vessel disablement system comprising: an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead; a propulsion mechanism disabling member disposed in the warhead; and an energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member to mechanically disable a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel.

In some embodiments, the propulsion mechanism disabling member comprises at least one of a drogue line, a rope, a chain, a mesh of fabric, a rod, synthetic hagfish slime, or synthetic spider silk proteins. The energy unit is configured to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at a target propeller of the target propulsion mechanism to cause one of significantly slowing or stopping of a rotation of propeller blades of the target propeller.

In specific embodiments, the energy unit may be configured to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at a target propeller of the target propulsion mechanism to cause one of significantly slowing or stopping of a rotation of propeller blades of the target propeller. The energy unit may comprise an energetic material including at least one of explosives or compressed air configured to deploy the propulsion mechanism disabling member from the warhead toward the target propulsion mechanism.

In some embodiments, the underwater vehicle comprises a sensor, a communications device, and a control system which is configured to control the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel based on at least one of an instruction received by the communications device or sensor information received by the sensor. the underwater vehicle is tethered to a control center which sends the instruction to the communications device to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism. The underwater vehicle may be tethered to a control center which sends the instruction to the communications device to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism. The sensor may be configured to sense a location of the target propulsion mechanism. The control system may be configured to control the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the location of the target propulsion mechanism from the sensor. The sensor may be configured to sense proximity of the target propulsion mechanism to obtain proximity information. The control system may be configured to control the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on the proximity information from the sensor. The sensor may be configured to sense a suction flow toward the target propulsion mechanism. The control system may be configured to control the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the suction flow from the sensor.

In specific embodiments, the propulsion mechanism disabling member comprises a low order explosive to be launched toward the target propulsion mechanism with delayed ignition after separation of the propulsion mechanism disabling member from the underwater vehicle.

Another aspect is directed to a marine vessel disablement method comprising directing an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead toward a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel; and activating an energy unit in the warhead to launch a propulsion mechanism disabling member disposed in the warhead to mechanically disable the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel.

According to yet another aspect, a marine vessel disablement system comprises: an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead; nonlethal means for disabling a propulsion mechanism in a nonlethal manner; and an energy unit in the warhead to launch the nonlethal means to disable a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel.

Other features and aspects of various examples and embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description which discloses, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, examples that explain features in accordance with embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings help explain the embodiments described below.

FIG. 1 shows an example of waterjet propulsion.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a propulsion system having inboard propulsion.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an outboard propulsion system on a boat.

FIG. 4 shows (A) a front elevational view and (B) a side elevational view of a boat propeller having propeller blades.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an example of maritime vessel stopping occlusion technology.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the components of an air-stream torpedo.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating another example of the components of an air-stream torpedo.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the components of an electric torpedo.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a launch system for launching a marine vessel disabling mechanism.

FIG. 9A shows an example of a disabling tool cavity or enclosure packed with one or more rods as the disabling tool.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a system of an underwater vehicle tethered to a control center.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a marine vessel disablement method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A number of examples or embodiments of the present invention are described, and it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a variety of ways. The embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of ways to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the teachings and disclosures herein can be combined or rearranged with other portions of this disclosure along with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

Technologies exist for conducting warning shots from a vessel. Maritime law enforcement professionals should be prepared to follow warning shots with disabling fires. One approach involves the use of small, portable, reversible, and permanent non-lethal capabilities as alternate tools to stop a small, fast-moving, non-compliant vessel (NCV). The disabling capability can be directed energy or other non-lethal options, to include rapidly launched tear gas, pepper bullets, or other alternatives.

The marine vessel disablement capability is applicable for all missions where surface use of force is authorized. The use of directed energy to compel a NCV to stop mitigates risks to law enforcement crews, NCV operators, and other boaters such as PWCs (Personal Watercrafts). In some embodiments, the desired solutions may be small boat capable, personnel portable, and shoulder-fired or machine gun pintle mount compatible. The primary application is surface use of force, while the potential for aerial use of force depends on the size and equipment deconfliction with aviation systems.

The scope of the present invention may include modifying or adapting existing directed energy stopping devices and alternatives. Some embodiments may be directed to non-lethal technologies that use sound and directed energy to get the attention of and even stop suspicious or non-responding vessels and people. Some may involve marinization, miniaturization, and other useful technological advances for the non-lethal technologies, as well as newly developed or prototyped, non-lethal and less-than-lethal systems in the maritime environment, such as from and against small vessels, in high sea states, at high speeds, and in congested marine traffic areas. The types of non-lethal directed energy can be focused acoustics, lasers (e.g., low power & ultra-short pulse laser systems), or high-power RF systems technologies. Specific embodiments are directed to nonlethal directed energy vessel stopping devices that are portable and can be used by marine law enforcement professionals to apprehend small, fast-moving, NCVs. The stopping or disablement devices are nonlethal in that they do not directly cause loss of human lives in the target vessel. For instance, the devices are not designed to sink the target vessel and are not aimed at human targets. They are nonlethal means for disabling a target propulsion mechanism in a nonlethal manner. In specific embodiments, the disablement does not cause irreversible or irreparable damage to the target vessel, so that the disablement is reversible.

There are two types of small boats: slow and fast. Slow boats may employ outboard or inboard propulsion systems or mechanisms, which both use propellers. Fast boats are jet powered with water intake and expulsion; they may also use propellers.

FIG. 1 shows an example of waterjet propulsion. A waterjet generates propulsive thrust from the reaction created when water is forced in a rearward direction. The discharge of a high velocity jet stream generates a reaction force in the opposite direction, which is transferred through the body of a jet unit 100 to the watercraft's hull, propelling it forward. The jet unit is mounted inboard in the aft section of the boat hull. Water enters the jet unit intake 110 on the bottom of the boat, at boat speed, and is accelerated through the jet unit 100 and discharged through the transom 120 at a high velocity. The inboard jet unit 100 includes a pumping unit having an impeller 130 and a stator 140. Water from underneath the hull flows into the jet inlet duct. The dividing streamline indicates what part of the flow is entering the inlet duct and what part of the flow is passing by. A high-pressure flow is discharged at a nozzle 150 as a high-velocity jet stream. A driveshaft 160 attaches at the coupling to turn the impeller 130. A jetavator 170 includes a hydraulically activated reversing plate 180 through which a part or the whole of the jet stream can be deflected forward. The reversing plate 180 can be gradually moved, which makes it possible to vary the thrust from full ahead via the zero thrust position to full astern and vice versa.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a propulsion system 200 having inboard propulsion. A drive shaft 210 is coupled to a propeller 220 (or impeller) and a stator 230 disposed in a bottom hull 240 of a boat near the ship stern. Water enters the bottom hull 240 at an inlet 250 of a duct upstream thereof, typically through an inlet screen, and exits at an outlet 260 of a nozzle 270 downstream thereof.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an outboard propulsion system 300 on a boat. A drive shaft 310 is coupled to an external propeller 320 for rotation disposed downstream of a bottom hull 330. The rotating propeller 320 can be rotated to cause displacement of water rearward 340, resulting in a thrust 350 that pushes the boat forward.

FIG. 4 shows (A) a front elevational view and (B) a side elevational view of a boat propeller 400 having propeller blades 410. The propeller has a central boss 420 which is the backbone of the entire arrangement. The central boss 420 mates with the rotating shaft which corroborates with the engine room mechanism. The shaft transmits the power delivered from the engine and in turn rotates the blades 410 mounted on the hub/boss 420 of the propeller 400. The blades 410 are mounted on the hub 420 similar to thin airfoil sections which can create a hydrodynamic lift to produce thrust. The point of attachment of the blades 410 with the propeller boss or hub 420 is the root 430. The tip 440 is the furthest point of the propeller blade from the root and tapers like a leaf. It has the least section width. The blade has a minimum chord width.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating an example of maritime vessel stopping occlusion technology. It shows a propeller 500 in a working or nondisabled state 510 before and a disabled state 520 after a nonlethal disabling tool 530 engages with the propeller 500 to impede or prevent rotation of the blades of the propeller. The disabling tool 530 is a nonlethal mechanism for disabling the propeller 500. In specific embodiments, the disabling or occlusion tool or material is wrapped around the propeller or otherwise engages with the propeller to prevent the blades of the propeller from rotating, thereby disabling the propulsion system or mechanism of the vessel.

The disabling tool 530 may utilize a fouling material to wrap around or entangle the propeller blades. The fouling material may allow the propeller to continue to rotate but disrupt the blades from pushing any water and from propelling the boat forward. The disabling tool may mechanically stop or at least significantly slow the rotation of the propeller blades (e.g., slowing the rotation by at least 70% or 80% or 95%). That limits or removes the ability of the propulsion system from providing thrust to the boat. The nonlethal disabling tool 530 may do so in a reversible manner. The disablement of the propeller 500 may be reversible in that the propeller disabling tool or mechanism 530 does not cause irreparable damage. For instance, the disabling tool can be removed and then the propeller can become operational again. It increases the standoff time and distance to deescalate a potentially threatening situation with respect to an oncoming vessel. At a minimum, the party launching the disabling tool has more time to ascertain the intent and assess the threat of the oncoming vessel. The propeller 500 may be damaged reversibly but will need to be repaired (e.g., by reshaping). Another type of fouling material may cause irreversible or irreparable damage to the propeller blades or shaft. In that case, while the disabling tool is nonlethal, the damaged propeller will need to be replaced, which requires more time than merely removing or disentangling the fouling material or repairing the propeller in situ.

The disabling tool 530 may include drogue lines utilizing lengths of rope with sea anchors to restrict forward momentum of a target boat using drag forces. Such a disabling tool is repeatable and reliable, although it may be effective only against certain vessel types. Other disabling materials may include, for example, synthetic hagfish slime and spider silk proteins which lend advance swelling, adhesive, and strength properties not available in current commercial products. These materials are derived from natural products and will be more environmentally compatible. Hagfish secrete a slime substance as a defense mechanism against predator fish, and the substance swells to 10,000 times its original volume when it comes into contact with sea water. The resulting slime can be compared to a fiber-reinforced gel made of intermediate filaments, mucus, and seawater. The slime has shown to be persistent and effective at occluding propellers and intake systems. Spider silk rivals the strength of Kevlar® and, on a weight comparison basis, steel. Synthetic spider silk proteins have various properties from which nonlethal vessel stopping may benefit, including robust sponges and underwater adhesives. The fouling material may be mechanical or chemical in nature and may mechanically disable the propeller.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the components of an air-stream torpedo 600. The torpedo includes a warhead, an energy section, and an afterbody and tail section. The energy section includes an air flask water compartment and fuel tank assembly and a naval tank and valve compartment. The afterbody and tail section includes an engine, gear train, gyro, and steering engines.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating another example of the components of an air-stream torpedo 700. The torpedo includes a warhead, an air flask section, an afterbody, and a tail. The warhead includes an exploder and an explosive charge. The air flask section includes an air flask and a fuel flask. An air flask is a cylindrical item having various compartments for housing compressed air, fuel, water, and chemicals, which when combined form the propelling charge of the underwater torpedo. The afterbody includes an engine and gyro mechanism and control devices. The tail includes propeller shafts.

The warhead contains the explosive charge and the exploder, which is a device that detonates the explosive charge when the torpedo reaches its target. The air flask section includes flasks which contain the air, water, and fuel required to propel and guide the torpedo. The air, fuel, and water are combined, and the resultant high-pressure gas is fed to and spins the engine's turbines. The turbines turn the propeller shafts which drive the propellers in the torpedo's tail. The afterbody contains, in addition to the engine, the gyro mechanism and depth and steering devices. These devices are driven by high pressure air from the air flask, and by making use of gyroscopic action and a water pressure gauge, keep the torpedo traveling on the desired course and at the desired depth beneath the surface. All of these mechanisms are set in motion when the torpedo is fired.

Aimed torpedoes may use either an air-steam or an electric drive mechanism. FIG. 7 shows an air-stream mechanism in the air flask section. An electric torpedo is driven by an electric motor which receives power from storage batteries. The electric torpedo is very similar to the air-steam type, with storage batteries replacing the air flask and an electric motor replacing the air-steam engine. A smaller air tank carries air to drive the control devices.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the components of an electric torpedo 800. The torpedo includes a transducer and an exploder in a warhead, a gyro, an electronic panel, a battery, and a propulsion and control system between the warhead and the propeller in a tail section.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a launch system 900 for launching a marine vessel disabling mechanism. The launch system is an underwater vehicle which may be an uncrewed underwater vehicle such as a torpedo. Examples of uncrewed underwater vehicles include a torpedo launch system such as a torpedo AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) having a main body or housing 910. One or more sensors 912 obtain sensor data. A communications device 914 communicates with a base station or one or more other vessels. A torpedo propulsion system 916 is guided or controlled by a control system 918 to drive the torpedo 900 toward a target propeller/impeller or drive mechanism of a boat. For instance, a computer or controller at the base station or another vessel may send instructions or control signals to the propulsion system 916 via the communications device 914. A warhead 920 includes a disabling tool cavity or enclosure 922 which may be packed with a disabling tool 930 such as a fouling material. The warhead 920 is configured to deploy the disabling tool 930 on the target propeller. An energy plane or energy unit 940 of compressed air and/or energetic material may be used to deploy the packed disabling tool 930.

The energy unit 940 may employ any suitable energy to open up the warhead 920 and launch the disabling tool 930 from the cavity 922. Conventional low order explosives and/or compressed air may be shaped into an optimized design to launch the interdicting material of the disabling tool 930 to the chosen target and allow the torpedo and warhead system 900 to achieve standoff distance from the target. The energy unit 940 may be designed to launch the fouling material of the disabling tool 930 in such a manner that it surrounds the target propeller. The interdicting material launched from the warhead 920 to disable external or internal propellers or drive units can be focused (aimed) through use of sensors such as motion and/or sound sensors. Internal propellers/impellers may be reached by entering the rapid water intake which is fed into the internal drive unit that provides the thrust. The fouling material of the disabling tool 930 will mechanically stop or at least significantly slow the rotation of the propeller blades, for instance. In other embodiments, the warhead 920 may include a launch system including a mechanism to insert a metal rod, eject a rod, or otherwise deploy a solid device into the vessel's propulsion system or mechanism in order to disable the vessel's propulsion. FIG. 9A shows an example of a disabling tool cavity or enclosure 922 packed with one or more rods 960 as the disabling tool.

In some embodiments, the warhead 920 may employ compressed air or low order explosives to launch the disabling tool 930 of fouling material. Low order explosions have a subsonic explosion and lack the high order explosive blast wave. Examples of low order explosives include pipe bombs, gun powder, petroleum-based bombs, and the like. The low order explosives are nonlethal in that they are designed to disable the propulsion mechanism of the target vessel without sinking the target vessel or otherwise compromising the structural integrity of the target vessel.

The warhead 920 may be guided by one or more sensors 912 on the warhead system 900 detecting the target propeller and the propulsion and control system 918 to control the torpedo movement. The sensors and control system may further activate the energy plane of compressed air and/or energetic material to launch the fouling material when the warhead is in close proximity with the target propeller (e.g., within about 20 meters, or 10 meters, or 5 meters). The sensors may include an acoustic or sonar sensor to detect the location of the target propeller and/or its proximity to the sensor by sensing the propeller wake. Other types of sensors may be used, including thermal (e.g., IR or infrared) sensors for detecting heat signatures and optical sensors where the water is adequately clear.

To launch the disabling tool 930 at an inboard propeller, the sensors 912 may be configured to detect and locate the water flow into the inboard propeller by sensing the motion and/or turbulence of the suction flow. The disabling tool 930 may then be directed toward the suction flow which will carry the fouling material of the disabling tool 930 toward the inboard propeller or propulsion system.

The marine vessel disabling mechanism or tool 930 may be delivered by an underwater vehicle or torpedo, which may be either autonomous or tethered for easier maneuverability and retrievability. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating an example of a system 1000 of an underwater vehicle 1010 tethered to a control center or control station 1020 which controls the underwater vehicle via the sensor and the communications device on the underwater vehicle to travel toward the target propeller. It may include a computer 1030 and a communications unit 1040 to communicate with the underwater vehicle 1010. The control center 1020 may be a crewed control station or a crewed control vehicle. The control center 1020 is typically a marine station or vehicle that may be under water or above water, but may also be an aerial vehicle or a land station or vehicle.

Fouling of the target propeller may include the use of ropes, chains, and/or meshes of fabric suitable for binding the rotation of the propeller. These implements are part of the delivered warhead to be dynamically launched toward the target propeller.

In some embodiments, the torpedo is a very lightweight torpedo in the neighborhood of about 300 pounds (e.g., ±50% or ±25% or ±10%) instead of a conventional heavyweight torpedo weighing about 4,000 pounds or a conventional lightweight torpedo weighing about 600 pounds. A primary helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare can carry four very lightweight torpedoes instead of two lightweight torpedoes. This not only doubles the ordnance package but also reduces the overall weight of that ordnance which will increase platform flight endurance.

The torpedo may be configured to launch the disabling tool in close proximity with the target propeller. The torpedo does not make contact with the target propeller or its vessel. The torpedo may be controlled to return to the control center or be retrieved via the tether. As such, the torpedo is reusable.

In other embodiments, the disabling tool may deliver a low order explosive to the target propeller with delayed ignition after the explosive gets closer to the target propeller and away from the torpedo (e.g., after separation of the propulsion mechanism disabling tool from the underwater vehicle). The delay may be timed with a preset timing or triggered by a sensor launched with the explosive to sense its proximity to the target turbine or the suction flow into the target turbine.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a marine vessel disablement method. In step 1110, an underwater vehicle (e.g., 900, 1010) is directed toward a target propulsion mechanism (e.g., 130, 220, 320, 500) of a marine vessel. The underwater vehicle includes an underwater vehicle propulsion system 916 and a warhead 920. Step 1120 involves optionally tethering the underwater vehicle to a control center or control station 1020 which sends instructions to a communications device 914 in the underwater vehicle to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism. Step 1130 involves obtaining sensor information of a location of the target propulsion mechanism and/or proximity information of the target propulsion mechanism and/or suction flow information of suction flow toward the target propulsion mechanism. In step 1140, the underwater vehicle propulsion system is controlled to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism based on the instructions received by the communications device and/or information (e.g., sensor information and/or proximity information and/or suction flow information) of the target propulsion mechanism obtained by the underwater vehicle (e.g., using sensors 912). Step 1150 involves activating the warhead to launch a propulsion mechanism disabling device 930 or propulsion mechanism disabling member 930 disposed in the warhead to disable the target propulsion mechanism, for instance, based on the sensor information or proximity information.

An interpretation under 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) is desired only where this description and/or the claims use specific terminology historically recognized to invoke the benefit of interpretation, such as “means,” and the structure corresponding to a recited function, to include the equivalents thereof, as permitted to the fullest extent of the law and this written description, may include the disclosure, the accompanying claims, and the drawings, as they would be understood by one of skill in the art.

To the extent the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or steps described. Rather, the specific features and steps are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter. To the extent headings are used, they are provided for the convenience of the reader and are not to be taken as limiting or restricting the systems, techniques, approaches, methods, devices to those appearing in any section. Rather, the teachings and disclosures herein can be combined, rearranged, with other portions of this disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. It is the intention of this disclosure to encompass and include such variation.

The indication of any elements or steps as “optional” does not indicate that all other or any other elements or steps are mandatory. The claims define the invention and form part of the specification. Limitations from the written description are not to be read into the claims.

Claims

1. A marine vessel disablement system comprising:

an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead;

a propulsion mechanism disabling member disposed in the warhead; and

an energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member to mechanically disable a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel.

2. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 1,

wherein the propulsion mechanism disabling member comprises at least one of a drogue line, a rope, a chain, a mesh of fabric, a rod, synthetic hagfish slime, or synthetic spider silk proteins.

3. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 1,

wherein the energy unit is configured to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at a target propeller of the target propulsion mechanism to cause one of significantly slowing or stopping of a rotation of propeller blades of the target propeller.

4. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 1,

wherein the energy unit comprises an energetic material including at least one of explosives or compressed air configured to deploy the propulsion mechanism disabling member from the warhead toward the target propulsion mechanism.

5. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 1,

wherein the underwater vehicle comprises a sensor, a communications device, and a control system which is configured to control the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel based on at least one of an instruction received by the communications device or sensor information received by the sensor.

6. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 5,

wherein the underwater vehicle is tethered to a control center which sends the instruction to the communications device to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism.

7. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 5,

wherein the sensor is configured to sense a location of the target propulsion mechanism; and

wherein the control system is configured to control the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the location of the target propulsion mechanism from the sensor.

8. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 5,

wherein the sensor is configured to sense proximity of the target propulsion mechanism to obtain proximity information; and

wherein the control system is configured to control the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on the proximity information from the sensor.

9. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 5,

wherein the sensor is configured to sense a suction flow toward the target propulsion mechanism; and

wherein the control system is configured to control the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the suction flow from the sensor.

10. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 1,

wherein the propulsion mechanism disabling member comprises a low order explosive to be launched toward the target propulsion mechanism with delayed ignition after separation of the propulsion mechanism disabling member from the underwater vehicle.

11. A marine vessel disablement method comprising:

directing an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead toward a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel; and

activating an energy unit in the warhead to launch a propulsion mechanism disabling member disposed in the warhead to mechanically disable the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel.

12. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 11, wherein activating the energy unit in the warhead comprises:

launching the propulsion mechanism disabling material including at least one of a drogue line, a rope, a chain, a mesh of fabric, a rod, synthetic hagfish slime, or synthetic spider silk proteins.

13. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 11, wherein activating the energy unit in the warhead comprises:

launching the propulsion mechanism disabling member at a target propeller of the target propulsion mechanism to cause one of significantly slowing or stopping of a rotation of propeller blades of the target propeller.

14. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 11, wherein activating the energy unit in the warhead comprises:

activating an energetic material including at least one of explosives or compressed air configured to deploy the propulsion mechanism disabling material from the warhead toward the target propulsion mechanism.

15. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 11, wherein directing the underwater vehicle toward the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel comprises:

controlling the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism of the marine vessel based on at least one of an instruction received by a communications device in the underwater vehicle or sensor information received by a sensor in the underwater vehicle.

16. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 15, further comprising:

tethering the underwater vehicle to a control center which sends the instruction to the communications device to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism.

17. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 15, further comprising:

sensing a location of the target propulsion mechanism by the sensor; and

controlling the underwater vehicle propulsion system to direct the warhead at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the location of the target propulsion mechanism from the sensor.

18. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 15, further comprising:

sensing proximity information of the target propulsion mechanism by the sensor; and

controlling the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on the proximity information from the sensor.

19. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 15, further comprising:

sensing a suction flow toward the target propulsion mechanism by the sensor; and

controlling the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling member at the target propulsion mechanism based on information of the suction flow from the sensor.

20. The marine vessel disablement method of claim 11, wherein activating the energy unit in the warhead to launch the propulsion mechanism disabling material disposed in the warhead comprises:

launching a low order explosive toward the target propulsion mechanism with delayed ignition after separation of the propulsion mechanism disabling member from the underwater vehicle.

21. A marine vessel disablement system comprising:

an underwater vehicle including an underwater vehicle propulsion system and a warhead;

nonlethal means for disabling a propulsion mechanism in a nonlethal manner; and

an energy unit in the warhead to launch the nonlethal means to disable a target propulsion mechanism of a marine vessel.

22. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 21,

wherein the energy unit is configured to launch the nonlethal means at a target propeller of the target propulsion mechanism to cause one of significantly slowing or stopping of a rotation of propeller blades of the target propeller.

23. The marine vessel disablement system of claim 21,

wherein the energy unit comprises an energetic material including at least one of explosives or compressed air configured to deploy the nonlethal means from the warhead toward the target propulsion mechanism.