DEVICE FOR DROPPING A BAIT, ESPECIALLY FOR A VESSEL

Abstract

A device (10) for launching decoys, in particular for a naval vessel, characterised in that it comprises: - at least two tubes (12) for launching decoys; - a single pneumatic circuit (14); and - a distribution block (16) interposed between the pneumatic circuit (14) and the launch tubes (12), the distribution block (16) comprising, for each launch tube (12), a valve (18) that can move between an open position, in which the corresponding launch tube (12) communicates with the pneumatic circuit (14), and a closed position, in which the corresponding launch tube (12) is isolated from the pneumatic circuit (14).

Description

[0001] Decoy launching device, particularly for a naval vessel

[0002] The present invention relates to a decoy launching device, particularly for the protection of a naval vessel.

[0003] Such a decoy is intended to divert hostile weapons initially directed at the naval vessel. For example, the invention relates to the launching of CANTO®-type decoys.

[0004] Typically, a state-of-the-art launch device includes pyrotechnic ejection means. Such pyrotechnic ejection means require stringent safety precautions, suitable storage areas, and also necessitate the implementation of complex transport and dismantling protocols.

[0005] The invention aims in particular to provide a compact, simple, economical and secure launching device.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates in particular to a decoy launching device, especially for a naval vessel, characterized in that it comprises:

[0007] - at least two lure launching tubes,

[0008] - a single pneumatic circuit, and

[0009] - a distribution block interposed between the pneumatic circuit and the launch tubes, the distribution block comprising, for each launch tube, a valve, movable between an open position in which the corresponding launch tube communicates with the pneumatic circuit, and a closed position in which the corresponding launch tube is isolated from the pneumatic circuit.

[0010] The invention provides a shared pneumatic circuit for several lure launching tubes. This results in a reduced footprint and a relatively low overall cost.

[0011] In particular, the cost of upkeep and maintenance is reduced, as well as the cost of firing decoys, because pneumatic energy does not require any special precautions for operators and does not use any consumables.

[0012] It also appears that the use of pneumatic energy, as opposed to state-of-the-art pyrotechnical launching methods, significantly reduces the risk of accidents throughout the life of the device, particularly during its storage, use, maintenance or dismantling.

[0013] Finally, the invention has the advantage, linked to the use of pneumatic energy, of reducing the infrared and acoustic signature of the launch device during the transient phase. A launch device according to the invention may further include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination.

[0014] - The pneumatic circuit includes at least one pressurized air storage tank.

[0015] - The pneumatic circuit includes means of connection to a source of pressurized air, for example to a high-pressure air network of a naval building, or to a compression module.

[0016] - Each valve is a solenoid valve.

[0017] - The launching device includes means for controlling the valves, configured to open only one valve at a time.

[0018] - The launching device includes a housing containing the launching tubes, the housing having a support base shaped so that each launching tube is inclined relative to a vertical direction.

[0019] - The launching device includes, for each launching tube, a guide tube arranged at the exit of the launching tube and extending from this launching tube.

[0020] - Each guide tube is formed in two longitudinal parts, movable relative to each other by rotation around a longitudinal hinge, between a closed position and an open position of the guide tube.

[0021] The invention also relates to a naval vessel, characterized in that it comprises at least one decoy launching device as defined above.

[0022] Optionally, the launch tubes of the same launch device are fixed with a constant orientation relative to the naval vessel.

[0023] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the attached figures, among which:

[0024] - Figure 1 schematically represents a launching device according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the launching device in Figure 1;

[0026] - Figure 3 represents an example of the arrangement of the launching device of figure 2 in a naval building.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a decoy launching device, designated by the general reference 10. Such a launching device is intended in particular to equip a naval vessel, part of which houses the launching device 10 is shown in Figure 3. It should be noted that the naval vessel may have several launching devices, separate or joined together.

[0028] The launching device 10 comprises at least two decoy launching tubes 12, a single pneumatic circuit 14, and a distribution block 16 interposed between the pneumatic circuit 14 and the launching tubes 12.

[0029] The distribution block 16 includes for each launch tube 12, a valve 18, movable between an open position in which the corresponding launch tube 12 communicates with the pneumatic circuit 14, and a closed position in which the corresponding launch tube 12 is isolated from the pneumatic circuit 14.

[0030] Each valve 18 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0031] Advantageously, the launching device 10 includes means for controlling the valves 18, configured to open only one valve at a time. This ensures that when one valve is open, all the other valves are closed.

[0032] The distribution block 16 also includes a single inlet 20 upstream of each valve 18, the valves 18 being arranged in parallel with each other. The inlet 20 is connected to the pneumatic circuit 14.

[0033] The pneumatic circuit 14 includes at least one pressurized air storage tank 22.

[0034] The pneumatic circuit 14 also includes means 24 for connection to a source of pressurized air, for example to a high-pressure air network of the naval vessel.

[0035] Advantageously, the air storage tank 22 is charged with pressurized air by connecting it to the high-pressure air network. The air storage tank 22 then supplies the selected launching tube 12 with compressed air as needed. Thus, once the air storage tank 22 is filled, the launching device 10 can operate independently of the high-pressure air network and can launch decoys even if the ship's high-pressure air network fails.

[0036] According to one variant, the connection means 24 are connected to a compression module, which thus allows the filling of the tank 22 in a completely independent manner.

[0037] The operation of the pneumatic circuit is described below.

[0038] The circuit is pressurized by the ship's high pressure (HP) air network or any other means of compressed air supply 24. The air is filtered through a filter 25.

[0039] The compressed air tank 22 then fills up.

[0040] The selection of tube 12 is done by action on the distribution block 16. As soon as a pilot solenoid valve 50 is activated, the HP air drives a launch valve 51 which connects the HP network of the installation and the selected tube 12, allowing ejection of the lure located there.

[0041] Note that in degraded mode, the pilot solenoid valve 50 can be operated manually.

[0042] After the pilot solenoid valve 50 is released, the initiating valve 51 returns to its initial position. The closed distribution block 16 then isolates the tubes. The device is ready for a second firing.

[0043] The HP 22 air tank capacity allows for two consecutive shots without the need for an external HP air supply.

[0044] Safety valves 52 and 53 protect the equipment from possible overpressure due to a failure of the device components or the HP air source.

[0045] Advantageously, each launch tube 12 includes means for detecting the presence of a lure in that launch tube 12. These detection means are preferably coupled with warning means, alerting an operator to the presence or absence of a lure in the launch tube 12.

[0046] The launching device 10 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The launching device 10 comprises a housing 24 which accommodates the launching tubes 12 in a first compartment 26, and the pneumatic circuit 14 in a second compartment 28. It should be noted that Figure 2 shows only two launching tubes 12, but the launching device 10 can accommodate as many launching tubes 12 as desired.

[0047] The housing 24 has, for each launch tube 12, an opening 30 coinciding with an exit of the launch tube 12.

[0048] Advantageously, each opening 30 is closed by a respective masking shutter 32. Such a shutter 32 serves, on the one hand, to protect the elements inside the housing 24, and on the other hand, to limit the radar signature of the launch device 10.

[0049] It should be noted that the housing 24 has a rigid structure allowing the attachment of all the constituent elements of the launch device 10. This rigid structure is for example covered with a coating, allowing to limit the radar signature of the launch device 10.

[0050] The housing 24 advantageously comprises a triangular support base 34, including a lower face 34a for attachment to a wall of the naval vessel, and an upper face 34b to which the first 26 and second 28 compartments are attached, these first 26 and second 28 compartments extending perpendicularly to this upper face 34b. The upper face 34b is inclined relative to the lower face 34a, such that the launching tubes 12 are inclined relative to the vertical. This inclination will be chosen according to the desired angle of launch of the decoys.

[0051] Advantageously, the support base 34 is fixed, so the orientation of the launching tubes 12 remains unchanged relative to the naval vessel. The launching device 10 according to the invention therefore does not require costly means to change the orientation of the launching tubes 12. This is possible when using decoys that do not require a specific launch direction, such as CANTO®-type decoys.

[0052] The launching device 10, oriented as desired, is shown in Figure 3. In this figure, the launching device 10 is arranged inside the naval vessel and fixed to a floor 36 of the naval vessel, near a wall 38 separating the interior from the exterior. The wall 38 has a movable hatch 40 that can be opened and closed. The hatch 40 is positioned opposite the launching tubes 12 to allow passage for the decoys when open.

[0053] Advantageously, the launching device 10 comprises, for each launching tube 12, a guide tube 42 arranged at the outlet of the launching tube 12 and extending from it, running in the same direction. The guide tube 42 ensures the guidance of the decoy through the opening to the outside of the naval vessel.

[0054] Advantageously, each guide tube 42 is formed in two longitudinal parts, movable relative to each other by rotation around a longitudinal hinge, between a closed position and an open position of the guide tube 42. Thus, in the open position, access to the launching tube 12 is facilitated, in particular for installing a lure in this launching tube 12. The guide tube 42 is then moved to the closed position to perform its guiding function.

[0055] The launching device 10 also advantageously includes an interface 44 allowing an operator to locally control the launching of the lure.

[0056] According to one variant, the launching device 10 is arranged outside the naval building, and fixed to an external wall of that naval building.

[0057] It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and could have various complementary variants without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Decoy launching device (10), particularly for a naval vessel, characterized in that it comprises: - at least two (12) lure launching tubes, - a single pneumatic circuit (14), and - a distribution block (16) interposed between the pneumatic circuit (14) and the launch tubes (12), the distribution block (16) comprising, for each launch tube (12), a valve (18), movable between an open position in which the corresponding launch tube (12) communicates with the pneumatic circuit (14), and a closed position in which the corresponding launch tube (12) is isolated from the pneumatic circuit (14).

2. Launching device (10) according to claim 1, in which the pneumatic circuit (14) comprises at least one pressurized air storage tank (22).

3. Launching device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the pneumatic circuit (14) includes means (24) for connection to a source of pressurized air, for example to a high-pressure air network of a naval vessel, or to a compression module.

4. Launching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each valve (18) is a solenoid valve.

5. Launching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising valve control means (18), configured to open only one valve at a time.

6. Launching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (24) accommodating the launch tubes (12), the housing (24) comprising a support base (34) shaped so that each launch tube (12) is inclined with respect to a vertical direction.

7. Launching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, for each launching tube (12), a guide tube (42) arranged at the outlet of the launching tube (12) and extending from this launching tube (12).

8. Launching device (10) according to claim 6, in which each guide tube (42) is formed in two longitudinal parts, movable relative to each other by rotation around a longitudinal hinge, between a closed position and an open position of the guide tube (42).

9. Naval vessel, characterized in that it comprises at least one decoy launching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Naval vessel according to claim 9, in which the launching tubes (12) of the same launching device (10) are fixed with a constant orientation relative to the naval vessel.