초록 ▼

A deployable nose is used on an underwater vehicle to provide a shorter length when in a retracted position and to provide a reduced drag when in the deployed position. The deployable nose includes a plurality of nose sections and a deployment mechanism that moves the plurality of nose sections from

A deployable nose is used on an underwater vehicle to provide a shorter length when in a retracted position and to provide a reduced drag when in the deployed position. The deployable nose includes a plurality of nose sections and a deployment mechanism that moves the plurality of nose sections from the retracted position to the deployed position. The nose sections include a base nose section attached at the end of the underwater vehicle, an outer nose section having a rounded contour, and one or more intermediate nose sections between the base nose section and outer nose section. In the retracted position, the outer nose section and one or more intermediate nose sections are retracted generally within the base nose section. In the deployed position, the outer nose section and intermediate nose sections extend outwardly from the base nose section and interlock proximate the edges of the nose sections to form the deployed nose.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A deployable nose for use on an underwater vehicle, said deployable nose comprising:a plurality of nose sections including interlocking edges disposed at one end of said underwater vehicle; and a deployment mechanism disposed at said one end of said underwater vehicle and coupled to at least one

1. A deployable nose for use on an underwater vehicle, said deployable nose comprising:a plurality of nose sections including interlocking edges disposed at one end of said underwater vehicle; and a deployment mechanism disposed at said one end of said underwater vehicle and coupled to at least one of said plurality of nose sections for moving said plurality of nose sections from a retracted position where said plurality of nose sections are retracted toward said underwater vehicle to a deployed position where said plurality of nose sections extend outwardly from said underwater vehicle to form a generally rounded nose contour.