Abstract: Underwater craft including means for launching an underwater vehicle using water pressure, including a vehicle-launching tube having a front part and a rear part and the rear part of which is connected to a water distribution tank itself connected to a water tube in which is positioned a piston for delivering water into the rear part of the tube in order to push and eject the vehicle, is characterized in that the piston is associated with a linear electric actuator for moving same.

Abstract: A cap that is intended to obturate a duct for ejecting cartridges of a turret. This cap includes a circular base that is intended to allow it to be fastened to the duct, and a body shell having a spherical dome profile including a concave face and a convex face, the body shell being divided into at least four sectors by radial slits that are regularly distributed angularly, the sectors being contiguous pairwise. Another subject of the invention is a turret including a duct for ejecting cartridges equipped with such a cap.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a launcher for an underwater vehicle by which thrust force of a mover arranged movably in a water conducting tube can efficiently be obtained. The mover forms a plurality of magnetic circuits in which magnetic flux generated by a plurality of permanent magnets flows, and the plurality of magnetic circuits includes a first magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux flows through one of a pair of circumferential magnets, a second magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux flows through one of a pair of axial magnets, the second magnetic circuit being formed in parallel to the first magnetic circuit, and a third magnetic circuit in which the magnetic flux flows through a radial magnet, the third magnetic circuit being formed in parallel to the first magnetic circuit and the second magnetic circuit, respectively.

Abstract: A miniature torpedo has a contact and attachment assembly 106 that is operable to hold the torpedo to a ship, a plurality of flammable elements that are sequentially ignited and burn against the ship's hull, and a propulsion and steering assembly that propels and directs the torpedo to the ship. The torpedo is constructed to be carried by and launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle. A targeting and control apparatus is employed with the torpedo that provides wire guidance to the torpedo and an ability to communication with other aparatus to coordinate an attack with multiple torpedos.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a weapon clearance device for clearing weapons by detonating the weapon, a combined weapon clearance device comprising the weapon clearance device and an unmanned underwater vehicle, and a method associated therewith for clearing weapons. The weapon clearance device comprises a retaining device for fixing the weapon clearance device to the weapon or in the surrounding area of the weapon. The weapon clearance device is a driveless attachment for the unmanned underwater vehicle comprising a means for the releasable connection to the unmanned underwater vehicle. The mass of the weapon clearance device under water is invariably less or greater than the mass of the water displaced by the weapon clearance device under water. The weapon clearance device is thus not neutral in terms of buoyancy, which provides advantages when clearing sunk ground mines as well as floating mines by approaching the mine from above and/or from below.

Abstract: An interdiction device that includes a net for trapping and containing a target swimmer, diver or water-borne vessel. The net is deployed from the interdiction device that is either initially submerged in a body of water or floating on the surface of the body of water. The net is deployed either below the surface of the water in one embodiment or on the surface of the water depending on the desired function.

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: An underwater gun for firing stacked munitions includes external propellant bays. In some embodiments, after a first munition is launched from the barrel of the launcher, propellant in one of the external propellant bays is ignited. The gas that is generated upon ignition is routed to the bore of the barrel and expels water that is in the barrel. A munition is then immediately launched through the cleared barrel.

Abstract: Stacked munitions are launched at high velocity from a launcher by redirecting, to the barrel of launcher, the static load that would otherwise be borne by the nose the projectile in position three for launch. This is accomplished via a load-redirecting pusher plate comprising a load-receiving surface and a plurality of compression members.

Abstract: A system includes a support structure having a compressed air tank therein, a pneumatic launch assembly coupled to the support structure, and an inflatable bladder disposed around at least a portion of a region defined by the support structure and the pneumatic launch assembly. The angle of the pneumatic launch assembly with respect to the support structure is adjustable. The pneumatic launch assembly comprises a launch tube, a compressed air manifold contained within the launch tube and in fluid connection with the compressed air tank, the compressed air manifold having an air outlet, a telescoping guide rod connected to the compressed air manifold, and a shuttle slidably coupled to the telescoping guide rod and at least partially disposed over the air outlet. The system may include a collapsible stabilizing weight coupled to the support structure, as well as communications and control circuitry within the launch tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus clears the barrel and/or prevents water from entering the barrel based on pressure variations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an adapter that attaches to the barrel and includes a physical adaptation that is capable of sealing the barrel. In some embodiments, the physical adaptation is actuated to un-seal the barrel via combustion gases from firing of a round.

Abstract: A technique for controlling the pitch of a supercavitating projectile is disclosed. For example, the illustrative embodiment controls the pitch of a supercavitating projectile by shifting its center of gravity. The center of gravity of the projectile is shifted by moving a ferromagnetic mass inside the projectile forward or backward, depending on the desired pitch. In some embodiments of the present invention, the position of the ferromagnetic mass is directed by a controller that has a predetermined trajectory stored in its memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a magnetically-attractable water-impermeable disk. Via operation of a drive system, the disk is movable between a sealing position, wherein it prevents water from entering the barrel by moving into alignment with the first bore, and a firing position, wherein the first water-impermeable disk moves out of alignment with the first bore.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of receiving a present route for a vehicle based on a present vehicle location and a vehicle destination, receiving obstacle information from a sensor of a sensor array, the received obstacle information including information about at least one moving obstacle, and determining if the received present route is valid based upon the received obstacle information. If the received present route is invalid, the method determines a revised route based upon the received present route, the received obstacle information, and/or the vehicle destination. A system incorporating the method may include a sensor array, a communication link, a processing module, and a navigation module. The system and method may be used to control the route of a vehicle such as an unmanned surface vehicle that may be land-based, water-based, or air-based.

Abstract: An object ejection system uses an energy storage flywheel to drive the fluid pump that is used to pressurize the ejection tubes. The energy storage flywheel is periodically spun-up using an electric motor. The energy stored in the energy storage flywheel is used, when needed, to drive the fluid pump and supply pressurized fluid to an impulse tank. The pressurized fluid in the impulse tank is used to eject an object, such as a weapon, from one or more ejection tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing the barrel of an underwater gun between firings is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a turbine that is disposed at the outlet of the muzzle of the gun. The turbine draws in water and, in various embodiments, either (a) vaporizes it, forming a vapor barrier along the spin axis that keeps water out of the barrel, (b) expels it radially, thereby re-directing it so that it does not enter the barrel, or (c) generates water jets that prevent water from entering the barrel.

Abstract: A capsule adapted for disposition in a submarine launch tube for retaining the missile until launch thereof. The capsule includes a cylindrically shaped housing including a plurality of layers of glass fibers and layers of graphite, the layers including an outer layer of glass fibers defining an outer skin of the housing, and an inner layer of glass fibers. A titanium flange is fixed on the housing and in contact with the layers of graphite. An adhesive layer is disposed on the outer skin and an interface support pad is mounted on the outer skin and retained thereon by the adhesive layer. A layer of metal foil is disposed inboard of the adhesive layer and between the outer layer of glass fibers and the inner layer of glass fibers, to serve as a barrier to products of galvanic reaction occurring between the graphite layers and the titanium flange.

Abstract: A payload deployment system for a vessel, such as a submarine, which includes a cable extending between a piston in a piston tube and an ejection element in an ejection tube, wherein the ejection tube is suitable for holding the payload, such as a torpedo. The system is arranged such that movement of the piston in the piston tube causes movement of the cable which, in turn, exerts a force on the ejection element to move it in the ejection tube to eject the payload from the ejection tube.

Abstract: A projectile based targeting system for underwater objects includes a trainable gun terminal mounted in a waterproof housing. The gun terminal includes plural gun barrels terminating in waterproof breeches. Noise generating projectiles are launched from the gun barrels, and a fire control system selectively fires the projectiles from each of the plural gun barrels in a noise pattern. A host controller detects and processes noise generated by a launched pattern of the noise generating projectiles to give information about the objects. The projectiles each include a void region connected to an outer surface of the projectile by a hole formed in a neck of the projectile. Launching of the projectile creates a vaporous cavity around the projectile and thus the hole, thereby causing the void region to resonate at a noise generating frequency.

Abstract: A submarine is equipped with an extending apparatus on whose free end a container (4) resistant to underwater pressure is arranged, in which an essentially recoil-free gun (5) lies. The container (4) in the submerged condition of the submarine may be brought to the water surface (15) by way of the extending apparatus, and pivoted out so that one may also shoot in the submerged condition.

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 underwater launch system includes a launch tube frangibly sealed at its forward end. At launch time, pressure equalization means introduces water at depth pressure into the launch tube between its frangibly sealed ends. A rotary electromagnetic pump coupled to the launch tube receives water at depth and expels the water at a higher pressure. The higher pressure water is coupled to the aft end of the launch tube.

Abstract: A portable data acquisition system for use in certifying torpedo tube-launched weapons such as a Mark 48/ADCAP, a Tomahawk missile or a Harpoon and the like. The system includes a portable computer, a rugged four slot chassis, a 32 channel multiplexing module, a four channel isolation amplifier with excitation, eight channel isolation amplifier, a custom signal conditioning module, an associated terminal block and interface cables. The system has the unique feature of obtaining live data for quick analysis about the launched weapon using the torpedo tube as opposed to the post launch data for analysis. All the components are housed in a shock resilient and weather-tight container.

Abstract: An appended pod underwater gun mount for a submersible host vessel includes a strut member having a base end fixed to an outer hull of the submersible host vessel and a distal end protruding outwardly from the host vessel, the distal end being angled with respect to the base end, and an ammunition housing moveably fixed to the distal end of the strut member. A train control mechanism is positioned between the strut member and the ammunition housing for controlling the horizontal rotation of the ammunition housing with respect to the host vessel, and a tilt control mechanism is positioned between the strut member and the ammunition housing for controlling the vertical rotation of the ammunition housing with respect to the host vessel. A flexible boot is connected to the ammunition housing and surrounds each of the train control mechanism and the tilt control mechanism to protect the mechanisms from an underwater environment.

Abstract: A baffled muzzle brake and seal system for submerged gun operation includes a muzzle brake chamber mounted to the muzzle of a submerged gun barrel. A baffle assembly mounted within the chamber deflects the propellant gasses produced by operation of the gun and sabot fragments into an annular cher surrounding the baffle assembly while allowing passage of a projectile through the assembly. A valve seal in the muzzle end of the muzzle brake chamber cycles between a fully open condition, to allow passage of the projectile, and a fully closed position, to seal the muzzle brake chamber against the entry of water. At least one pressurized air input allows the muzzle brake chamber to be pressurized when the seal is not in the fully closed position, thereby preventing entry of water. A gas exhaust provides a means for removing propellant gasses from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for attaching one or more unmanned, hydroamically shaped, autonomous, undersea platforms to the bow of a submarine. An array of depressions, each matching the shape of the platforms, is provided in the bow of the submarine, equally spaced about the circumference of the submarine. Once seated in the depressions and attached to the submarine, the platforms provide a smooth, hydrodynamic shape to the bow of the submarine. Additionally, conformal arrays on the platforms mate with conformal arrays on the bow of the submarine to form a continuous conformal array and the platforms' weapons systems provide the submarine with forward deployed weapons when the platforms are attached. A platform is launched by detaching it from the submarine bow and raising the leading edge of the platform slightly into the water flow around the bow. Hydrodynamic forces lift the platform away from the submarine for an acoustically quiet launch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater gas generator projectile launcher which includes tubular barrel having a forward muzzle end and an opposed rearward end. A projectile is positioned in this tubular barrel adjacent the forward end. An expellable closure for the forward muzzle end of the barrel means is provided. A projectile propelling piston assembly is positioned in the tubular barrel and includes a shell axially movable in the tubular barrel. This piston includes a shell having a front wall adjacent the projectile and an opposed rear wall which encloses the rearward end of the tubular barrel. This interior space is traversely segmented into a front chamber and a rear chamber by an interior plate, and this interior plate is positionable in a stationary position relative to said tubular barrel. A gas generator is positioned in the front chamber of the interior space.

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: An arming system for a missile which prevents destruction of the missile side of a specified area. The missile may be launched from a submarine, and follow a water-air-trajectory, and includes a variable-range timer acting in conjunction with an impact detection system. The timer drives arming switches to the armed condition after a predetermined time, and then opens the switches after a second predetermined time, which establishes a maximum range for detonation of the missile warhead.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus which may be mounted on multi or single barreled guns disclosed to provide a watertight seal on an underwater gun. The sealing apparatus comprises a sealing plate connected to a gun barrel and a muzzle seal which fit on the muzzle of the gun barrel and frictionally engages the sealing plate. The sealing plate includes a firing aperture which aligns with the gun barrel when the gun is fired.

Abstract: A high compressive strength phenolic resin foam is made by: adding between about 0.5 to 5.0 parts of a dual surfactant system and about 8 to 25 parts of a blowing agent, to 200 parts of a phenolic resole resin to form a pre-mix; agitating this pre-mix with about 20 to 70 parts of an aqueous dual sulfuric-phosphoric acid solution to provide a foaming phenolic material; immediately thereafter pouring or injecting the material into a mold or onto a suitable substrate, to provide a phenolic foam having a substantially uniform compressive strength of at least 40 psi. at between about 20% to 50% compression, at a deflection rate of between about 2 in./min. to about 5 in./min.

Abstract: A method of and means for installing weapons and associated launch gear or ther equipment in positions external to a submarine pressure or other vessel hull are provided. The lateral outer cross section of the submarine preferably is divided into quadrants and a replenishible weapon or equipment cartridge or module is lowered into each individual quadrant. Each module preferably contains a plurality of payloads, and after all of the payloads have been expended the expired module is easily removed and replaced by a loaded one.