A device and method of operation for UUV taxiing and charging

By installing rotatable folding wings and a lifting system on the UUV, it is possible to achieve unpowered gliding and autonomous charging, which solves the problems of low energy efficiency and high noise of UUV, improves endurance and stealth, and reduces dependence on the mother ship.

CN117799802BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-03CHINA SHIP SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTER
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHINA SHIP SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CENTER
Filing Date
2024-01-03
Publication Date
2026-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing UUVs have inefficient energy systems, noisy propulsion methods, and reliance on mother ships for support, which limits their range and stealth capabilities. They also have difficulty gliding without power and recharging autonomously in sensitive sea areas.

Method used

It adopts a rotatable folding wing and lifting system. The folding wing is deployed and retracted by a rotary motor, enabling unpowered gliding and autonomous charging on the water surface. It uses solar panels for charging, reducing noise and the probability of being detected.

Benefits of technology

It enables UUVs to glide without power in sensitive sea areas and recharge autonomously in non-sensitive sea areas, improving endurance and stealth, reducing the impact of wind and waves when charging on the water surface, and enhancing maneuverability and energy efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A device and operating method for gliding and charging a UUV are disclosed. The device includes a UUV with a lifting system installed mid-hull, which is connected to a rotatable folding wing. When not in operation, the wing conforms to the shape of the UUV's hull; when in operation, it extends out of the UUV's hull via the lifting system and unfolds. Addressing the issues of UUVs being limited in their operational range by energy consumption during underwater operations, the low charging efficiency of UUVs using self-contained solar panels, the ease with which they can be detected during charging, underwater noise from various propulsion methods, and speed limitations when using unpowered gliding, this device enables unpowered gliding through sensitive waters and navigation in non-sensitive waters, reducing the probability of target detection. Equipped with a retractable folding solar charging panel, it ensures efficient energy replenishment and maximizes the single-unit endurance, enabling long-term independent underwater operation. Compared to traditional UUVs, it offers advantages such as energy saving, high stealth, and high maneuverability.
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