Extendable spar buoy sea-based communication system

Abstract

An extendable spar buoy sea-based communication system includes a spar buoy having a retracted configuration deployable from an underwater vessel and an extended configuration after deployment, and a communication subsystem mounted to the top of the spar buoy and supported thereby.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an improved sea-based communication system including an extendable spar buoy sea-based communication system for providing communications to and from an underwater vessel such as a submarine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern warfare frequently involves multiple branches of the military working in cooperation, and high speed and high data rate communications between the acting forces during unpredictable conditions in hostile environments is frequently necessary. Time critical targets need to be neutralized quickly. The ability to communicate high-resolution images at a very high data rate is often required. To perform and execute military missions, the effectiveness of such communications often depends on, for example, a real time data link. In another example, high-resolution intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) images distributed by the satellite global broadcast system (GBS) may be required. In many of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved sea-based communication system including an e

Problems solved by technology

However, in the littorals or coastal regions near the sea surface, at slow speed, the probability of the submarine being detected increases and the consequences of detection are magnified.

However, deployment from the submarine sail has several drawbacks.

The limited length of the mast requires that the submarine operate at relatively shallow periscope depths for extended periods of time.

Thus, the safety of the mission and the submarine can be compromised.

Finally, the size (and hence, data rate) of retractable mast mounted SATCOM antennas are limited.

Such systems, however, typically have a number of disadvantages.

This limits the life of the battery that powers the UUV.

To achieve these requirements, a moderately large UUV is required, at high cost.

Additionally, recovery of an expensive and relatively large UUV diverts the submarine from its primary mission, and incurs additional risk of detection.

Traditional spar buoy designs are typically very large, stiff floating platforms comprising a large mass with significant righting moments.

A surface

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