Remotely-triggered submerged launch canisters and methods relating to the usage and preparation thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of a method are provided for remotely deploying a waterborne object utilizing a submerged launch canister including a remotely-triggered deployment system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of placing the remotely-triggered deployment system in a launch-ready state, and positioning the submerged launch canister within a body of water. In a further embodiment wherein the waterborne object assumes the form of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, the method includes the step of transmitting a wireless signal to the remotely-triggered deployment system to initiate launch of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle after the submerged launch canister has been positioned on the seafloor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 325,712, filed Apr. 19, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The following disclosure relates generally to underwater deployment systems and, more specifically, to submerged launch canisters utilized to remotely deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and other waterborne objects, as well as to methods relating to the usage and preparation of such submerged launch canisters.BACKGROUND[0003]Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (also commonly referred to as “Autonomous Underwater Vehicles”) are utilized for various purposes in military and civilian contexts. In the military context, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (“UUVs”) may be employed to perform oceanic and littoral surveillance or to detect, and possibly disable, naval mines or other threats. Widespread in-field usage of UUVs has, however, been somewhat hindered by the l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Embodiments of a method for preparing a submerged launch canister for the remote deployment of an unmanned underwater vehicle are also provided. The submerged launch canister including pressure vessel having a storage cavity therein, a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity, a flow control valve fluidly coupled between the pressurized gas reservoir and the storage cavity, and a watertight cap movable between an open positio...

Problems solved by technology

Widespread in-field usage of UUVs has, however, been somewhat hindered by the lack of a straightforward, rugged, and reliable means that can be utilized by non-technical military personnel to deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles on an ad hoc, as-needed basis.

In addition, the duration of time over which an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle can operate autonomously is inherently limited by the capacity of the battery or batteries deployed aboard the UUV.

It is generally not practical for an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle to remain dormant and exposed on the seafloor for a prolonged period of time prior to activation.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles are thus subject to timing constraints that may deter or prevent UUV deployment when the time frame for accomplishment of mission objectives is uncertain or relatively lengthy; e.g., several days or weeks post-deployment.

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