초록 ▼

A submarine mast simulator as part of a buoyant tow body having a hydrodynamically shaped shell. The mast simulator includes a rigid lower mast section and an inflatable upper mast section extendable from the tow body. A plurality of stabilizer fins extend radially from the tail of the tow body, the

A submarine mast simulator as part of a buoyant tow body having a hydrodynamically shaped shell. The mast simulator includes a rigid lower mast section and an inflatable upper mast section extendable from the tow body. A plurality of stabilizer fins extend radially from the tail of the tow body, the fins being actuated to cause the ascent and descent of the tow body. A pressure sensor is positioned on an outer surface of the tow body for detecting a depth of the tow body, and a motor with controller is housed within the tow body, the controller initiating extension of the mast simulator in response to a depth indication.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A submarine mast simulator comprising:a tow body suitable for towing, said tow body including a nose and a tail; a mast including a rigid lower mast section mechanically attached to said tow body and an upper mast section extendable from said lower mast section; a motor with controller in mechani

1. A submarine mast simulator comprising:a tow body suitable for towing, said tow body including a nose and a tail; a mast including a rigid lower mast section mechanically attached to said tow body and an upper mast section extendable from said lower mast section; a motor with controller in mechanical connection with said mast for initiating the extension of said mast from said tow body; a pressure sensor in connection with said tow body, wherein said controller initiates the extension of said mast in response to a depth indication by said pressure sensor; and a gas source fluidly connected to said upper mast section, said gas source supplying a gas to inflate said upper mast section thereby extending said upper mast section. 2. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tow body is indented to define a recessed area for housing said mast in a nonextended state.3. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 2, wherein said tow body further includes a plurality of stabilizer fins extending from said tail.4. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 3 wherein said tow body further includes actuators to control the direction of said stabilizer fins.5. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 4 wherein said mast further includes a radar-reflective coating on an outer surface thereof.6. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 5 further comprising harness attachments positioned equidistant from said nose to maximize a positive angle to a water surface during maneuvering in a towing operation.7. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 6 wherein said harness attachments are positioned between said nose and a longitudinal midpoint of said tow body.8. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a flexible antenna positioned on an outer surface of said upper mast section.9. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 8 wherein said gas source of said tow body is an air pressurization system comprising a first solenoid valve controlling air flow to an air pump; and a second solenoid valve controlling air flow from said air pump for the inflation of said upper mast section.10. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 9 wherein said air pressurization system further includes a relief valve to maintain a predetermined pressure in said upper mast section.11. The submarine mast simulator in accordance with claim 10 wherein said tow body further includes a hot gas emission system comprising a fuel bladder fluidly connected to a fuel pump supplying a combustor fluidly connected for supply by said air pressurization system, said combustor producing the hot gas emission exhaustable to the atmosphere out of said tow body.