Abstract: An armored land vehicle includes: a roof delimited by an opening containing a recess; a retractable weapon system to be deployed automatically between a first retracted position located inside the vehicle in the recess of the roof and a second deployed and operational position located outside the vehicle; an automatic mechanism to ensure, during use, a movement of the weapon system between the first and second positions; and an armored cap secured to the weapon system to cover the recess by forming a junction between an outer contour of the cap and a periphery of the opening of the roof with a perfect fit and in an extension of the roof surface, when the weapon system is in the first position. The weapon system includes at least one weapon with a caliber of up to 40 mm. The opening containing the recess is fitted or related to weapon system dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing configured to telescope vertically from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes surveillance, command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid. The projectile in use with the launch system can support surveillance and communications operations.

Abstract: An ice fishing submarine for carrying an end portion of a fishing line radially away from an ice fishing hole comprising: i) a hull enclosing a propulsion system which includes a battery which powers an electric motor which turns a propeller; ii) a power switch to begin propulsion away from the ice hole; and, iii) a tether having an unfixed end secured to the submarine and configured to interrupt power to the propulsion system when the tether becomes taut. When the submarine travels the distance of the length of the tether radially away from the ice hole the tether then becomes taut thereby automatically switching power off to the propulsion system of the submarine, and thereby eliminating the necessity of running control wires extending down through the ice hole to the submarine and monitoring the travel of the submarine to turn off power at an appropriate time.

Abstract: A winged submersible having a neutral to positive buoyancy utilizes an inverted wing structure to allow the wings to create downward force on the submersible in response to forward movement. Internal pressure pods are provided to allow an occupant to maintain a recumbent sitting position. The pressure pods are maintained at a constant pressure with life support systems, while the remainder of the hull is not pressurized. Acrylic domes are positioned to allow access to each internal pressure pod and when closed, the occupant's head is positioned within the center of the dome for optimal optics under water. Wings with adjustable control surfaces provide the submersible with the ability to roll about a longitudinal axis 0–360 degrees in either direction.

Abstract: A vortex-assisted pressure control system is provided for controlling fluid flow into an inlet formed in a vehicle where such fluid flow into the inlet occurs during vehicle movement. Vortex generator(s) is (are) positioned forward of the inlet with respect to forward movement of the vehicle to generate streamwise vortices in the fluid as the vehicle moves through the fluid. Each vortex generator is controllable to adjust strength of the streamwise vortices and a lateral position of the streamwise vortices relative to the inlet. Sensors are used to i) detect the lateral position of the streamwise vortices relative to the inlet, and ii) pressure of the fluid that has entered the inlet. A controller adjusts the vortex generator(s) based on sensor measurements in order to control the lateral position of the streamwise vortices and the pressure of the fluid entering the vehicle via the inlet.

Abstract: A launcher for torpedoes and underwater vehicles includes an inlet recess in fluid communication with a shutterway recess. A primary shutterway is provided both for ejection of the vehicle and for supplying fluid intake to the launcher. A pump circulates fluid from the inlet recess to the shutterway recess, and a launch tube houses a vehicle such as a weapon, within the launcher prior to launch thereof. A slide valve and impulse tank combination are positioned intermediate the pump and the launch tube, such that the slide valve controls a flow of fluid to the launch tube. A guide can is positioned at the shutterway recess for guiding the vehicle from the launch tube to an exterior of the launcher and fluid within the launcher is continually moderated to enable selective launch of the vehicle with a fluid force.

Abstract: An assembly for launching bodies from an underwater platform having a pressure hull, and an outer hull subject to free flooding. The assembly includes a module having a proximal end outboard of the pressure hull portion of the platform, a distal end disposed proximate and in alignment with a launch opening in the outer hull portion, and a chamber in the module extending from the distal end of the module to proximate the proximal end of the module, the module chamber being adapted to receive and retain one of the bodies. Support structure on the platform retains the module. A pump on the platform is in communication with water outside the pressure hull, and an impulse tank on the platform is in communication with the pump. A manifold is in communication with the impulse tank for directing outflow of water from the impulse tank to the chamber to eject the body from the chamber.

Abstract: An assembly of underwater bodies and a launcher therefor. The assembly is adapted for mounting on a submarine outside the pressure hull. The assembly includes a launcher having a housing for enclosing an underwater body, a body support structure within the housing for supporting the body, a pressure regulator system in communication with the housing for imposing a selected pressure on an interior of the housing, a hatch pivotally mounted on the housing, and an actuator for opening the hatch to permit the body to exit the hatch, and for closing the hatch. The underwater body is a self-propelled body adapted to exit by gravity from the launcher. A release device is disposed on the launcher for releasing the body from the launcher to permit the exit of the body from the launcher by gravity.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching an object in a fluid environment having a tubular member with a forward muzzle end, an opposed rearward end. The object is positioned in the tubular member. Ends of the tubular member are closed by expellable members. Flood valves are located on the expellable members and, on activation, allow flooding of the tubular member by external fluid. A propellant device and an object contact member are disposed within the tubular member. When the propellant device is activated, the object contact member moves the object. These actions are controlled by a control device which first causes the flood valves to enable fluid to flood the interior region. Next, the control device causes the expellable members to be expelled from the tubular member. The control device then causes the propellant device to generate gas in a predetermined manner launching the object from the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid pressure recovery includes an elongated housing having an opening at a first end thereof, an opening at a second end thereof, an inner peripheral surface, and a fluid flow passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a plurality of choke members fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing, each of the plurality of choke members being spaced from an adjacent choke member and projecting a predetermined distance into the fluid flow passageway of the longitudinal housing. The plurality of choke members sequentially produce a reduced turbulent free shear fluid layer from the first end to the second end of the elongated housing.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: Two-way pressure release valves in a shutter reduce the force needed to rotate it from a torpedo tube while the submarine is underway at high speeds. The valves are each mounted in a separate aperture in the shutter and have a pair of biasing springs that hold opposite end surfaces coplanar with outer and inner surfaces of the shutter to prevent generation of objectionable flow-noise while underway. When the shutter is rotated to expose a muzzle door of a torpedo tube, the valves are automatically displaced by pressure differentials created to free pathways for pressure equalization. The water flowing through the valves eliminates the pressure differentials, and consequently, reduces the total amount of force that would otherwise be needed to rotate the shutter.

Abstract: A floating device is provided, which allows an entire robot main body to float at a site. Mounted on the floating device are an image sensor which captures image data of persons around the robot main body; an information processing device which recognizes a specified person based on the image data captured by the image sensor, calculates a position of the specified person, and outputs a control signal for moving the robot main body toward the position of the specified person; a propulsion device which moves, based on the control signal, the entire robot main body to a close position close to the specified person so that the robot main body can be seen by the specified person; and an image display device, which displays image information useful for the specified person using the site when the robot main body reaches the close position. The information can be supplied to a specified object in a bi-directional fashion.

Abstract: The present invention, as disclosed and taught herein, comprises apparatus nd method for an underwater turret system suitable for use on surface or underwater vessels. The turret system is housed in an underwater bay from which the turret may be deployed and operated. After operational use the turret system is retracted into the bay whereupon the bay and the system are flushed with rinse water, evacuated and dried by passing drying air through the bay. In a preferred embodiment the turret is fitted with an underwater weapon and operated to attack underwater targets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an armored, turret like module configured for axial extension rom a stowed position within the hull of a submarine. The turret would mount one or more remote controlled guns, as well as communications devices and sensors to support short range engagement with surface or air contacts. A complete, gun based weapon system concept, including command and combat control elements within the submarine control room, is intended. Other useful applications of this extendible turret system are also disclosed. For example, by such means personnel may also be transferred from within the ship to the outside world, via the turret, while submerged.

Abstract: A torpedo tube shutter door assembly includes a series of segmented, abutg panels constituting a shutter door for selectively blocking an elongate opening formed in an outer hull of a submarine. The panels are movable between a closed position in which the panels fair to the outer hull and block the opening, and an open position in which the panels slidably move away from the opening along a longitudinal axis. Links connect the panels together and a guide mechanism guides the sliding movement of the panels between their closed and open positions. A drive actuates sliding movement of the panels between closed and open positions.

Abstract: An elastomeric shutter mechanism for opening and closing a passageway in wall of a vessel, such as a submarine hull. A single, unitary, retractable shutter member made of an elastomeric material is partially attached to the wall around a portion of a passageway. The single, unitary, retractable shutter member is moveable from a closed position when the unattached portion of the shutter member is abutting the wall around the passageway to an open position when the unattached portion of the shutter member is retracted away from the wall around the passageway. Cables are attached to the inside surface of the shutter member for retracting the shutter member and opening the passageway. Mechanical stops are positioned inside of the vessel for abutting the shutter member when retracted to the open position by the cables.

Abstract: A system for launching a weapon from a submarine comprises a tube for receiving the weapon, a ram assembly for launching the weapon, an actuator for actuating the ram assembly, and a volume within which water is received, the weight of the water received in the volume being approximately equal to the weight of the expended weapon. The ram assembly includes a ram head for transmitting a launching force to the weapon and a plurality of telescoping cylinders, the telescoping cylinders extending within the tube when the weapon is launched. The volume within which the water is received is formed between the tube and the telescoping cylinders in their extended position.

Abstract: An unmanned submarine which is guided to the surface of the water in order to launch an air rocket contained therein and which is provided in its walls with closeable openings for the discharge of the rocket recoil gases into the surrounding water to conduct the impinging recoil gases of a launched air rocket directly out of the submarine. To create a lock for the recoil gas discharge openings which withstands high water pressures and is easily opened in the starting phase of the air rocket, the openings are disposed in the surfaces where the recoil gases impinge on the wall of the submarine, each opening is closed by a cover which is pressed out of the opening by the impinging gases, the seat for the cover in the opening is configured as an inwardly tapered conical surface, and the cover is held in the opening by a transport safety which is released by the action of the pressure of the recoil gases or the cover.