Abstract: A fluid propulsion system configured to propel an ambient fluid through a propulsion channel. To do so, the present invention includes a hollow main body having a propulsion channel extending therethrough. The main body includes a base structure, a flexible bladder attached thereto, and a fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, or plasma) enclosed within the bladder. The present invention further includes a field source that produces an electromagnetic or magnetic field. The bladder and/or the enclosed fluid is configured to respond to the electromagnetic or magnetic field. Movement of the bladder in response to energization of the field sources alters the amount of occlusion of the propulsion channel. Energizing sequential field sources causes the occluded section of the bladder to propel the ambient fluid through the propulsion channel creating a reactionary force to propel the fluid propulsion system in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A missile comprises a generally cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end; a nosecone having a pointed distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal ends of the body and nosecone are oriented toward each other; a forward angled section rotatably attached to the proximal end of the nosecone at its forward edge, the opposite end of the forward angled section having an angled edge perpendicular to the longitudinal axis except for the angle defined by the edge; a rear angled section rotatably attached to the proximal end of the body at its rear edge, the opposite end of the forward angled section having an angled edge matching the angled edge of the forward angled section, the angled edges of the forward angled section and the rear angled section being rotatably attached.

Abstract: A projectile including: a shell; a rotating shaft; and a screw which can be rotated by the rotating shaft. The screw and the shell include, respectively, a stop and a counter-stop opposite each other. The screw is capable of sliding axially between a first position, in which a non-zero clearance is provided between the stop and counter-stop, and a second position, in which the stop and counter-stop are in contact. An elastic return element reversibly deformable between a first and a second state of stress which correspond to the first and second positions of the screw, respectively, the stress of the first state being lower than the stress of the second state.

Abstract: A fluid propulsion system configured to propel an ambient fluid through a propulsion channel. To do so, the present invention includes a hollow main body having a propulsion channel extending therethrough. The main body includes a base structure, a flexible bladder attached thereto, and a fluid (e.g., liquid, gas, or plasma) enclosed within the bladder. The present invention further includes a field source that produces an electromagnetic or magnetic field. The bladder and/or the enclosed fluid is configured to respond to the electromagnetic or magnetic field. Movement of the bladder in response to energization of the field sources alters a degree of occlusion of the propulsion channel. Energizing sequential field sources causes the occluded section of the bladder to propel the ambient fluid through the propulsion channel creating a reactionary force to propel the fluid propulsion system in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid electric torpedo that includes an igniter having a resistance, a current source, and a contactor. The torpedo includes a controller having input channels operable to receive a battery state of charge and the resistance and output channels configured to operate the contactor to control the current source of the igniter. The controller includes stored memory instructions operable upon execution to operate the contactor to conduct current through the igniter such that a temperature of the igniter increases. The contactor is operated responsive to the battery state of charge being less than a predetermined state of charge threshold and the resistance being less than a predetermined open circuit threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple start torpedo including an aft body having an exhaust conduit defining a turbine end and a seawater end having an orifice. The multiple start torpedo includes an exhaust valve associated with the exhaust conduit including. The exhaust valve includes a fore section having a head and a valve stem. The exhaust valve includes an aft section tapered from the turbine end to the seawater end and defining a receptacle sized to receive the valve stem. The exhaust valve includes a biasing member disposed to bias the head in an extended position spaced apart from the aft section and abut the orifice in the extended position.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle having one, some, or all of an integrated communication control fin, a ballast and trim control, a reusable trigger mechanism for a drop weight, and a visual hull display. Furthermore, associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A rotary separator includes a drum configured to rotate, and a pickup member extending into the drum. The pickup member includes a pickup channel having a first inlet for receiving a liquid, and a pitot channel having a second inlet for receiving the liquid. The liquid exits the drum through the pickup channel in response to a pressure of the liquid being measured through the pitot channel. A valve may be coupled to the pickup channel. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the pitot channel.

Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.

Abstract: A tandem-wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS) includes forward and aft wings mounted to the fuselage by frangible spar elements, the forward wings in a shoulder-wing configuration and the aft wings in a low-wing configuration. The forward and aft wings may incorporate fill-span multifunctional control surfaces on their trailing edges. The wing design prevents interference with airflow over the fuselage into a tail-mounted ducted propeller assembly, which pivots to provide vectored thrust. A nose compartment at the nose end of the fuselage may include a forward-mounted camera with a hemispherical field of view, the nose camera protected by transparent exterior panels. A ventral cargo compartment mounted amidships may include a ventral camera gimbal-mounted to provide an overhead perspective; the ventral camera may be gimbal-mounted for articulation along multiple rotational axes to provide additional views of the UAS exterior.

Abstract: An improved fin retention and release mechanism (15) comprising an elongated body (16), at least one fin (18a) mounted to the body and capable of moving from a stowed position (30) to a deployed position (32), an actuator (20a) connected to the fin and arranged to rotate the fin about a first axis (33), a fin retention member (19a) connected to the body and configured and arranged to rotate about a second axis (34) from a locked position (36) to a release position (38), the fin and the fin retention member configured and arranged such that the fin is held in the stowed position by the fin retention member when being in the locked position and the fin is not held in the stowed position by the fin retention member when being in the release position, and wherein actuation of the fin about the first axis by the actuator rotates the fin about the first axis in a first direction (39) and correspondingly rotates the fin retention member about the second axis in a second direction (40) opposite to the first direction

Abstract: A controller includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions in a host vehicle. The processor is programmed to designate a target vehicle as a collision risk upon determining that an intersection angle between the host vehicle and the target vehicle is between preset lower and upper bounds and an absolute value of an azimuth angle rate of change of the host vehicle is below a preset threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for promoting laminar flow. The apparatus includes a panel extending between an interior surface and an exterior air flow surface. The panel includes a plurality of macro apertures and a plurality of micro apertures. A first one of the macro apertures extends into the panel from the interior surface. A first one of the micro apertures extends into the panel from the exterior air flow surface and is fluidly coupled with the first one of the macro apertures.

Abstract: Solid-fuel rocket propellants comprising an oxidizer, an oxophilic metal-halophilic metal formulation, and a binder are described herein. Further described are processes for preparing such propellants and methods of reducing hydrogen chloride production via the combustion of such propellants. Non-limiting examples of such formulations include aluminum-lithium alloys.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movement device comprising a shell, and an outer fluid channel and an inner fluid channel are sequentially formed in the shell; the outer fluid channel communicates with the outside through a plurality of first ports, and the inner fluid channel communicates with the outside through a plurality of second ports; flow disturbing devices concave and convex relative to the surface are arranged in the outer fluid channel; the pressure difference generated due to different flow speeds between the outer fluid channel and the inner fluid channel serves as the propelling force source of the movement device. A pressure difference transferring circle formed around the shell by the pressure difference between the inner layer and the outer layer is used by the present invention for increasing the traveling speed of the movement device.

Abstract: An axle assembly having a housing assembly that may have at least one lubricant passage. The lubricant passage may provide lubricant to an interaxle differential unit via a roller bearing assembly and at least one flange lubricant hole that may be provided in a flange portion of an input shaft.

Abstract: A system for controlling aircraft boundary layer airflow comprising a frame structure configured to be coupled or integral to an inner surface of an aircraft nacelle, the frame configured to support to the nacelle, and/or a modular plenum configured to be received by the frame structure, the modular plenum comprising a truncated tetrahedron intersected at its apex by a duct. The frame may comprise a plurality of sub-frames. The system may further comprise a plurality of modular plenums, each configured to fit within a sub-frame. The system may further comprise a flexible material configured to couple a first duct to a second duct. The system may further comprise a nacelle configured to receive the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sound source detection device 1 which compares information of sound collected by sound collectors 13, 14, 15, and 16 to detect a predetermined sound source. The sound source detection device 1 includes a target determination unit 22 which arranges sound collectors at the same distance from a noise source inside a mobile object to determine a detection-target region of a sound source, and a sound source detection unit 25 which detects the direction of the predetermined sound source using information of sound of the detection-target region determined by the target determination unit 22. Accordingly, the sound source detection unit 25 does not determine sound input to the sound collectors 13, 14, 15, and 16 at the same timing as a detection target, making it possible to eliminate the influence of a noise source other than a sound source inside the mobile object in advance.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and thence along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: A device comprising a first plate disposed on top of a second plate where the first and second plates are parallel and separated by a fixed distance with a spacer, and wherein the spacer fits around the perimeter of the first and second plates creating a void space, and wherein the second plate has a plurality of pin-sized holes, and wherein a pump sits in the void space and is operably coupled to the plates, wherein the plates are operably coupled to the bottom, exterior hull of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV), and wherein the pump is configured to pump liquid into the void space between the parallel plates.

Abstract: A spiral-wound convection battery device has flow in and out of the ends with flow proceeding through flow-permeable electrodes. In the preferred configuration electrolyte flows, reverse flows, or pressure-pulse reverse flows between an electrode and counter electrode through a flow-permeable separator. The preferred configuration is as a novel stacked-cell spiral-wound battery.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for safely and reliably operating a generator in a submersible environment utilizing an autonomous control system. One embodiment is a power generation system that includes a generator, a water-tight enclosure surrounding the generator, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a controller. The intake valve couples an air intake on the generator to an outside surface of the enclosure. The exhaust valve couples an exhaust port on the generator to the outside surface. If the controller determines that the enclosure will submerge, then the controller stops the generator and closes the intake valve and the exhaust valve. After detecting that the enclosure has surfaced, the controller opens the intake valve, opens the exhaust valve, and starts the generator.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to hand-held underwater propulsion systems. In certain embodiments, systems of the invention include a hand-held body having a water-tight compartment. There is a motor housed within the water-tight compartment. There are a plurality of propeller blades located at a front portion of the body and coupled to the motor. Each blade includes a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, and in the deployed configuration, the blades are biased away from the body.

Abstract: A propulsor and control system for an underwater vehicle having annular fore and aft circumferential shrouds surrounding the hull. The fore and aft circumferential shrouds form respective fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps between the fore and aft circumferential shrouds and the hull. Fore and aft propulsor blades are situated substantially or completely within the fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps; the blades counter-rotate in one preferred embodiment. The fore or aft circumferential ring propulsors can have front control vanes located in front of the respective propulsors blade sets, and back control vanes located behind the respective propulsors to control the direction of the flow of water in order to maneuver the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: By way of overview and introduction what is disclosed is a fin structure for use with watercraft that is configured to provide lateral stability and generate hydrodynamic lift. The fin structure has a first end that can be connected to the underside of a hull. Two sidewalls extend away from the first end down into the water. As the side walls extend away from the hull, they also first diverge relative to one another and then converge to form a generally diamond shaped fin structure that is symmetric across the longitudinal axis and has an opening in between the sidewalls. Preferably, the sidewalls have a cross-section profile with an outer surface having more curvature than the inner surface. The shape of the fin structure provides lateral stability, hydrodynamic lift and maneuverability.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; at least one venturi injection ring positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to create a passageway between the at least one venturi injection ring and the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, wherein the passageway is characterized by a fore opening, an aft opening, and an intermediate opening disposed between the fore opening and the aft opening, and wherein the intermediate opening is smaller than the fore opening and the aft opening; at least one fluid opening formed in the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil adjacent to at least one of the intermediate opening and the aft opening; and at least one passageway connecting the at least one fluid opening to a source of fluid.

Abstract: A water craft comprising: an elongated hull comprising a passageway having an inlet and an outlet; a pump jet disposed within said passageway intermediate said inlet and said outlet; said pump jet being configured to receive water entering said passageway through said inlet and pump said water out of said outlet, whereby to propel said hull through water; a plurality of nozzles disposed on the outer surface of said hull, aft of said inlet, wherein said plurality of nozzles are configured to release a friction-reducing fluid, whereby the friction-reducing fluid displaces water from the surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high speeds.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive torpedo storage and launch system that has a sea-based buoyancy type torpedo storage and launch system that has a torpedo storage and launch apparatus that stores a buoyant rise type torpedo in vertical arrangement, and further has a torpedo launch mechanism unit that has an outer peripheral surface made of a material that minimizes electric or acoustic wave reflection, that is arranged on the sea floor, whereby automatic ship detection is performed by remote control from a radar station or the like or by a sonar and controlling means provided in the torpedo storage and launch apparatus itself so that if a ship comes into an encounter position and time then the torpedo is launched from the sea floor, rises by buoyancy, and detonates on collision with the ship, thereby torpedoing the ship.

Abstract: A submersible vessel comprising: an elongated hull; at least one propeller mounted on a forward end of said hull and adapted to move said hull through water; said at least one propeller being of a size and configuration such that when it is rotated at an appropriate speed, it generates supercavitated water flowing from said at least one propeller and then along an outer surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high underwater speeds.

Abstract: A lightweight, miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship's hull in response to contact with the ship's hull, a chamber containing a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull at a combustion temperature that is higher than a melting temperature of the material of the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo through water to the ship's hull. The torpedo is constructed with a size and weight that enables it to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bubble weapon system and methods for inhibiting movement and disrupting operations of vessels are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a bubble weapon is configured to generate a plume of bubbles in water. The plume reduces buoyancy of the water to inhibit movement of a vessel or disrupt operations of the vessel. In some embodiments, the bubble weapon includes a configurable diffuser section that may be configured in a thrust-neutral configuration or a thrust-engaged configuration.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment provides bumpers which are roughly shaped like skis that face towards the air-water boundary of the air cavity. When the projectile fishtails and one or more of the bumpers come into contact with the air-water boundary, the water imparts torque and a rebounding force to push the projectile completely back into the air cavity. Furthermore, because the bumpers are shaped roughly like skis and not like knives, the bumpers do not penetrate the water or create unnecessary water drag.

Abstract: A surface ship, deck-launched anti-torpedo projectile is disclosed. The projectile has a blunt-end nose to create a cavitating running mode. The nose has a gradual, stepped, right-circular cylindrical or conic geometry. In some embodiments, the projectile includes a plurality of tail fins that are dimensioned and arranged to be within the generalized elliptical cavity that shrouds the projectile in the cavitating running mode.

Abstract: A supercavitating projectile having a nose that is capable of morphing its shape or length for extended operating range is disclosed.

Abstract: A removable protective nose cover for a submersible structure having a nose section is disclosed. The removable protective nose cover can include a plurality of shell members, each of the shell members having a forward end and an aft end. Each shell member can also be dimensioned to fit adjacent to and around the nose section of the submersible structure and thereby form a protective shell. A central nose member having a locking member can also be included, the locking member being operable to attach the central nose member to each of the forward ends of the shell members. The aft ends of the shell members can be attached to each other using a plurality of attachment clips such that the attachment of the central nose member to each of the forward ends of the shell members and the attachment of the adjacent aft ends of the shell members form the removable protective nose cover for the submersible structure.

Abstract: A cavity-enhancing feature and method are disclosed for a projectile that is capable of operating underwater in a cavity-running mode.

Abstract: A high speed underwater projectile configuration that includes a cylindrical telescoping cavitator design capable of providing projectile nose shape change where such change to the projectile nose tip geometry results in supercavitation and a concomitant vaporous cavity in the water that reduces projectile drag resistance while maximizing projectile range and where the projectile nose tip further includes a retractable cavitator piston feature. The projectile nose is designed to house a cylindrical cavitator piston that protrudes forward from the projectile and is held in place until launch. Velocity induced hydrodynamic forces on the forward face of this cavitator piston cause the piston to start moving aft and to gradually cause the piston to retract into the projectile nose, until a larger, secondary cavitator is exposed to the vaporous cavity.

Abstract: A projectile having a cavity-running mode is provided with a mechanism for changing the diameter of its nose. Based on changed conditions, the diameter of the nose can be actively reduced or increased, as required, to maintain a desired value for the nose-to-body ratio of the projectile.

Abstract: A method for operating a thrust-generating supercavitating projectile involves launching the projectile in water from rest at the maximum available thrust, maintaining that thrust until supercavitating movement begins, and then reducing thrust to a near-minimum amount that is required to maintain supercavitating movement of the projectile.

Abstract: A method for operating a thrust-generating supercavitating projectile involves launching the projectile at a velocity above the minimum required to maintain supercavitating movement, delaying initiation of thrust until the projectile slows to a velocity that is near that minimum velocity, and then applying thrust to maintain the near-minimum velocity until a target is reached.

Abstract: A removable protective nose cover for a submersible structure having a nose section is disclosed. The removable protective nose cover can include a plurality of shell members, each of the shell members having a forward end and an aft end. Each shell member can also be dimensioned to fit adjacent to and around the nose section of the submersible structure and thereby form a protective shell. A central nose member having a locking member can also be included, the locking member being operable to attach the central nose member to each of the forward ends of the shell members. The aft ends of the shell members can be attached to each other using a plurality of attachment clips such that the attachment of the central nose member to each of the forward ends of the shell members and the attachment of the adjacent aft ends of the shell members form the removable protective nose cover for the submersible structure.

Abstract: A water-entry projectile capable of supercavitation and spin-stabilization comprises a forward section having one or more forward stepped sections, each stepped section being symmetrical in rotation about an axis and having a radius at an aft end that is different from a radius of a front end of an adjacent rearwardly located stepped section; an aft section having an aft stepped section, the aft stepped section being symmetrical in rotation about the axis and having a maximum radius larger than a maximum radius of the forward section; and wherein the aft section is located substantially aft of a center of gravity of the projectile.

Abstract: A latch including a first electrical explosive device disposed between first and second surfaces and a second electrical explosive device disposed between said first and second surfaces in series with said first electrical explosive device. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is a missile or torpedo, the first surface is a drag door and the second surface is a vehicle body. In this embodiment, the first electrical explosive device is coupled to the vehicle body on a first end of the device and to a common series attachment on another end thereof and the second electrical explosive device is connected to the common series attachment on a first end and to the drag door on a second end thereof. An arrangement is included for activating the electrical explosive devices to effect a deployment of the drag door with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A control system for a supercavitating vehicle includes a set of winglets for rapid maneuverability and a segmented ring wing for fine stabilization control. The winglets and ring wing extend from an aft portion of the vehicle. The winglets are supported by a strut attached to the vehicle. The angle of attack of each winglet into the water adjacent the cavity is controlled by a winglet actuator. The winglet assembly may be extended into the water or retracted to be completely within the cavity by means of a spring-loaded actuated mount. The segmented ring wing is controlled by a ring actuator. The ring actuator may be used to control the angle of attack of the ring wing. Alternately, or in combination, the flow over the ring wing may be neutralized by using the cavitator of the vehicle to globally enlarge the cavity and thus limit the flow.

Abstract: The present invention includes a means to sustain a rocket torpedo's supercavation envelope to enhance the speed, maneuverability and resistance to percussion based counter measures. The invention includes machines using those aspects of the invention. The invention may also be used to upgrade, repair, or retrofit existing machines, using methods and components known in the art. The present invention comprises a porous plate technique never associated with torpedo design. This approach differs from previous efforts to apply porous plate designs to surface ships and differs as a proportional gas flow is achieved to sustain supercavation during all aspects of a torpedo travel to include but not limited cruising, diving, surfacing and while executing turns of any turning radius.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism (10), wherein said driving mechanism (10) further comprises of a plurality of sections such as a nose section (12), a propulsion section (14), a drag chute section (16) and a cutting section (18), and wherein said sections are integrally connected with one another in a tight and secure manner. The driving mechanism (10) is capable to be launched from an aircraft or a surface craft towards a target and wherein upon launch said driving mechanism (10) is capable of steering itself on its own towards its target and thereafter attaching itself to the target and wherein by using the drag chute section (16).

Abstract: An embodiment of torpedo, providing increased explosive energy, comprises: a casing encapsulating a rubber container, having frontal cumulative cavities with peripheral magnetic rings, said container containing an elongated type explosive charge, an axle, a bushing slidely mounted on the axle, spokes associated with the bushing and container's front, cumulative cups with press-detonators; a formatter, joined with the container's rear portion, slidely disposed on the axle, capable to displace the charge from the rear to the middle of container thereby converting it into a cumulative type charge; a magnetic cup slidely disposed on the axle; an engine unit including a cylindrical shell, fixed to the casing, the shell containing aluminum thin double-wall pipes furnished with ignition detonators.

Abstract: An embodiment of torpedo, providing increased explosive energy, comprises: a casing encapsulating a rubber container, having frontal cumulative cavities with peripheral magnetic rings, said container containing an elongated type explosive charge, an axle, a bushing slidely mounted on the axle, spokes associated with the bushing and container's front, cumulative cups with press-detonators; a formatter, joined with the container's rear portion, slidely disposed on the axle, capable to displace the charge from the rear to the middle of container thereby converting it into a cumulative type charge; a magnetic cup slidely disposed on the axle; an engine unit including a cylindrical shell, fixed to the casing, the shell containing aluminum thin double-wall pipes furnished with ignition detonators.