초록 ▼

A system and method is provided to replenish a submarine's tactical capabilities, e.g., weapons, sensors and communications, while the submarine remains within a hostile environment. One or more Underwater Combat Vehicles (UCV's) are pre-positioned at strategic locations or are launched from a surfa

A system and method is provided to replenish a submarine's tactical capabilities, e.g., weapons, sensors and communications, while the submarine remains within a hostile environment. One or more Underwater Combat Vehicles (UCV's) are pre-positioned at strategic locations or are launched from a surface and/or airborne platform. The UCV's include full tactical capabilities, which can attach to and be integrated with a submarine's capabilities. To initiate replenishment, a submarine broadcasts a signal, or dispatches one of the UCV's under its direct control, to make contact with one of the pre-positioned UCV's or with a central command platform. The pre-positioned UCV's are programmed to search for and locate the submarine. This can either be accomplished using signals broadcast from the submarine, or using UCV internal navigation systems and a last known position for the submarine. Once located, communication between the submarine and UCV allows docking of the UCV onto the submarine.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for replenishing tactical capabilities of a submarine while remaining within a battle environment, the system comprising:a first unmanned combat vehicle launched from the submarine and having one or more depleted suites of tactical equipment, the unmanned combat vehicle serving as an adj

1. A system for replenishing tactical capabilities of a submarine while remaining within a battle environment, the system comprising:a first unmanned combat vehicle launched from the submarine and having one or more depleted suites of tactical equipment, the unmanned combat vehicle serving as an adjunct to the tactical capabilities of the submarine when attached to the submarine with no depleted suites of tactical equipment; and at least one second unmanned combat vehicle having full suites of tactical equipment and programmed to search for, locate and dock with the submarine when informed that the first unmanned combat vehicle has one or more depleted suites of tactical equipment, the at least one second unmanned combat vehicle serving as the adjunct to the tactical capabilities of the submarine in lieu of the first unmanned combat vehicle.