초록 ▼

A small target weapon (STW) delivers a warhead to a remote target and detonates it in response to remote command signals from a swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) and internal control signals generated by a self-contained internal electronics section. When deployed from the SDV, STW is capable of travel

A small target weapon (STW) delivers a warhead to a remote target and detonates it in response to remote command signals from a swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV) and internal control signals generated by a self-contained internal electronics section. When deployed from the SDV, STW is capable of traveling several nautical miles underwater. The STW contains a warhead section and has a spool of optical fiber disposed aft to deploy optical fiber from the housing as it transits through water from a submerged delivery vehicle. Motor-driven propellers disposed aft on the housing of the STW propel it the through the water, and a mast member extends above the housing. Control fins disposed aft on the housing, a vertical thruster and the motor driven propellers are controlled by electronics sections and guidance and control sections to selectively keep the housing beneath the surface of the water and the mast member extending through the surface. Sensor systems on the mast member and a sonar system on the housing provide GPS data signals, optical data signals, non-visible radiation, and sonar data signals, and radio, acoustic, and optical command signals from the SDV steer the STW to and detonate warhead section at the target. GPS signals sensed on the mast member that extends above the water while the rest of STW is submerged assure navigation as STW traverses the distance from the SDV to the target. The cameras, non visible light sources, and antennas on mast member also may be used to locate, identify, and transit to the target. During the terminal phase of the run to the target, the STW may activate the onboard sonar to acquire and home-in on the target.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An unmanned submersible comprising:an elongate housing having a spool of optical fiber disposed aft to deploy optical fiber from said housing during transit through water from a submerged delivery vehicle; a warhead section in said housing; motor-driven propellers disposed aft on said housing and

1. An unmanned submersible comprising:an elongate housing having a spool of optical fiber disposed aft to deploy optical fiber from said housing during transit through water from a submerged delivery vehicle; a warhead section in said housing; motor-driven propellers disposed aft on said housing and radially outwardly from said spool of optical fiber to propel said housing through said water; a mast member disposed forward on said housing to extend above said housing and the surface of said water; a plurality of fins disposed aft on said housing; a vertical thruster having a propeller assembly; an electronics section in said housing; and a guidance and control section in said housing coupled to said electronics section and to said fins, said motor driven propellers, and said vertical thruster, said motor driven propeller, said fins, and said propeller assembly being controlled by said electronics section and said guidance and control section to selectively maintain said housing beneath said surface of said water and said mast member extending through said surface of said water.