Platform for loading and unloading torpedoes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a loading device (10) for introducing a torpedo (20) into a torpedo tube (30), wherein: the loading device (10) has at least one storage space for a torpedo (20); the loading device (10) has a transport device for bringing the torpedo (20) into a torpedo tube (30); the transport device has a fluid-mechanical drive (40); the loading device (10) has at least one first fixing element (50) for holding a torpedo (20) in the loading device (10); the loading device (10) has at least one first fixing device (60); the first fixing device (60) is designed to produce a connection to a torpedo tube (30); the loading device (10) has a connecting device (70); the connecting device (70) has at least one coupling element (80) for frictional connection with a lifting device; the connecting device (70) has at least one fluid-mechanical connection element (90).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a loading device for loading and unloading a watercraft with a torpedo, in particular a heavyweight torpedo, from the outside through the muzzle flap of the gun barrel.

[0002] Heavyweight torpedoes are typically launched from submarines. To load a heavyweight torpedo into a submarine, the submarine usually has a special hatch into which the torpedoes can be inserted diagonally into the space behind the gun barrels.

[0003] Lightweight torpedoes are typically used on surface ships, and these are usually arranged in appropriate ejection devices on deck.

[0004] Heavyweight torpedoes are typically described as "unit kills," meaning that a single hit from a single weapon can completely destroy an enemy ship. This clearly distinguishes a heavyweight torpedo from missiles or lightweight torpedoes.

[0005] However, due to the superstructure of a surface vessel, it is not always possible to integrate a hatch through which a heavyweight torpedo could be inserted into a compartment behind the gun tube. Furthermore, due to the high integration density, it may be desirable to forgo a comparatively large compartment for storing and inserting heavyweight torpedoes into a gun tube behind the gun tubes.

[0006] In the context of the invention, a gun barrel can, to a first approximation, be a tube with openings at its end faces. In some watercraft, for example, submarines, a muzzle section is arranged in front of the actual gun barrel, extending to the outer hull of the watercraft. According to the invention, this muzzle section is intended to be an integral part of the gun barrel. Therefore, the term muzzle flap, as used in the invention, also includes an outer hull flap, which may be arranged in front of a muzzle section in the outer hull.

[0007] From DE 10 2015 202 553 A1 a weapon recess for storing a weapon in a watercraft is known.

[0008] From DE 690 05 455 T2 a method and a device for pushing torpedoes are known.

[0009] A device for transporting a torpedo is known from US 3 038 614 A.

[0010] US patent 2 987 963 A discloses a device for loading rockets into a rocket launcher.

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a loading device with which a gun barrel of a watercraft can be loaded and unloaded with a heavyweight torpedo.

[0012] This problem is solved by the loading device with the features specified in claim 1, the system with the features specified in claim 12, and the method with the features specified in claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0013] The loading device according to the invention serves to insert a torpedo into the gun barrel of a watercraft, wherein the loading device can be arranged externally on the watercraft with the gun barrel and thus in front of the gun barrel. The loading device is therefore a completely separate, independent device and is only temporarily positioned in front of the gun barrel for connecting a weapon into or out of the gun barrel. The loading device has at least one storage position for a torpedo. Preferably, this is a heavyweight torpedo. Heavyweight torpedoes typically have a caliber of 533 mm and a length of 7 to 10 m and a weight of approximately 2 t.Examples of heavyweight torpedoes include the American Mark 48, the German DM2A4 Seehecht, the British Spearfish, the British Mk 24 Tigerfish, the French DTCN L5 or F17, and the Russian Shkval. Even larger heavyweight torpedoes exist, such as the Russian Type 65 with a diameter of 650 mm.

[0014] The loading device includes a transport mechanism for moving the torpedo into the gun tube of the watercraft, the transport mechanism being powered by a fluid-mechanical drive. Fluid-mechanical includes hydraulic and pneumatic drive, with hydraulic drive specifically including the use of conventional hydraulic oils.

[0015] The loading device has at least one first fixing element for holding a torpedo within the loading device. The first fixing element serves to hold the torpedo securely in its storage position while the loading device is being moved.

[0016] The loading device has at least one first fixing device, wherein the first fixing device is designed to establish a connection to the gun barrel. This is important because a watercraft typically exhibits slight movement. It is therefore essential to fix the loading device relative to the gun barrel so that the loading device cannot move relative to the gun barrel.

[0017] The loading device has a connection device, wherein the connection device has at least one coupling element for force-fit connection with a lifting device.

[0018] By reversing the loading process, unloading is also possible, so that a loading device can also be used for unloading.

[0019] The loading device can be coupled to a standard excavator, for example, via the connection fitting. "Excavator" is used here merely as an example and refers to a suitable vehicle with the corresponding characteristics. For instance, a forklift, mobile crane, or similar equipment could also be used. An excavator typically has a connection fitting to accommodate various excavator buckets.

[0020] According to the invention, the loading device has at least one fluid-mechanical connection element. Since some buckets or other excavator attachments, such as demolition shears, are also hydraulically operated, excavator connection devices typically also have fluid-mechanical connection elements. This makes it possible to provide a loading device that does not require devices for supplying fluid-mechanical energy, such as a compressor, as this is already provided by a standard excavator. At the same time, the loading device can be used at any location, as it can be universally connected to various excavators. Thus, it is only necessary to transport the loading device, not the excavator itself.

[0021] Therefore, a quick-release coupling is particularly preferred for the connection device. The quick-change system from Lehnhoff, offered under the Variolock brand (as of 2019), is just one example. Such systems are commercially available and exhibit high interoperability with corresponding construction machinery, making the loading device easily usable worldwide.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connection device additionally includes an electrical connection element. This allows, in particular, the control unit to be relocated to the vehicle. For example, sensor data from the loading device can also be transmitted, especially data from the route taken by the transport device.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fixing element is designed as a clamping band. Preferably, the loading device has 2 to 6 clamping bands, more preferably 3 to 4 clamping bands. Preferably, the clamping bands can be unlocked and locked hydraulically or electronically, more preferably hydraulically.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fixing device is designed as a separate component. For example, and in particular, the fixing device can be arranged in the form of a work platform with a flat surface extending from the gun barrels. For example, and preferably, this work platform is detachably attached to a frame on the upper side of the deck of the watercraft, for example, and in particular by means of fasteners such as those used on standard containers (see, for example, ISO 1161:2016). For example, and in particular, these fasteners are positioned so that a standard container can also be placed here during use. For example, and in particular, the fixing device has a flat surface on which the loading device can be moved transversely to its longitudinal direction. By moving it transversely to its longitudinal direction, the loading device can be positioned precisely behind a gun barrel.The working platform of the fixing device can be designed to be so wide that two gun barrels can be loaded via the working platform.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid-mechanical drive is a hydraulic drive.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport device includes a push chain. A push chain stiffens when extended, making it ideally suited for inserting the torpedo into the gun tube. For simplification, the gun tube can, for example, have a slotted tube to guide the push chain.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the loading device includes a push chain storage unit, the push chain storage unit being arranged below the storage location for the torpedo. The push chain storage unit preferably has at least one deflection, preferably two deflections. In this way, a push chain of sufficient length for complete insertion into the gun tube can be accommodated.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the loading device includes an adjustment device for relative alignment with a gun barrel. The adjustment device can, for example, consist of three or four pins. The adjustment device, for example the pins, engages in corresponding counterparts arranged on the watercraft, for example in blind holes. This automatically ensures that the loading device is precisely aligned with the watercraft and thus also with the gun barrel. In particular, the storage location of the loading device and the gun barrel can be easily and reproducibly aligned, so that a torpedo can be easily transferred from the storage location into the gun barrel.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the loading device comprises a lower support and an upper support. The lower support provides storage space for the torpedo, the first fixing element, and the transport device; the upper support provides the connection device. For example, the lower support and the upper support are connected to each other by lateral cross braces.

[0030] In another aspect, the invention relates to a system consisting of a watercraft with at least one first gun barrel, a land vehicle with a lifting device and a fluid mechanical system, as well as a loading device according to the invention.

[0031] The vessel is, in particular and preferably, a surface vessel, for example, and preferably, a corvette, a frigate, a destroyer, a cruiser, or a fast attack craft. Most preferably, the surface vessel has the smallest possible radar cross-section (RCS).

[0032] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for inserting a torpedo into a gun barrel of a watercraft, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) Connecting the loading device to a land vehicle with a lifting device, b) Positioning the loading device on the outside in front of the muzzle flap of the gun tube, c) Securing the loading device to the watercraft using the fixing device, d) Releasing the lifting device of the land vehicle, e) Inserting the torpedo into the gun tube using the transport device, f) Removing the transport device from the gun tube, g) Removing the loading device.

[0033] Releasing the lifting device in step d) allows the lifting device to follow the movements of the watercraft and thus the movements of the loading device without opposing a force or transferring the movement to the land vehicle.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally includes, after step e), the step of removing the loading block of the transport device on the inside of the gun barrel.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally includes the following step: h) Inserting a torpedo into the loading device, wherein step h) is carried out before step a) or step e).

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, the torpedo is rotated after being inserted in step h). This serves in particular to bring the torpedo's retaining latch into the correct position.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the torpedo is aligned with the gun barrel after being inserted in step h). This can be used to compensate for fluctuations in the relative position of the loading device relative to the vessel.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the following steps: i) Fixing the torpedo with the at least one first fixing element after insertion in step h), j) Releasing the at least one first fixing element immediately before step e).

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, in step a) the loading device is additionally connected to a fluid mechanical system of the land vehicle.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the insertion in step e) is carried out using a telescopic rack. Fig. 1 Perspective view of a loading device Fig. 2 Side view of a loading device Fig. 3 Perspective view between loading device and gun barrel Fig. 4 Cross-section through loading device and gun barrel Fig. 5 Enlarged detail of push chain and loading stand Fig. 6 Connecting device Fig. 7 Connecting device with complementary coupling Fig. 8 Land vehicle with loading device and watercraft Fig. 9 Fixing device with flat surface Fig. 10 Fixing device with flat surface

[0041] In Fig. 1 A loading device 10 is shown. The loading device 10 consists of an upper support 150 and a lower support 140. The upper support 150 has a connecting device 70 and a fixing device 60. The lower support 140 has a transport device consisting of a drive 40, a push chain 120 in a push chain storage unit 130, and a loading stand 170. The torpedo 20 is held on the lower support 140 of the loading device 10 by means of the fixing elements 50 in the form of cross straps. The lower support 140 and the upper support 150 are connected to each other by struts 160. This is also shown in Fig. 2 Clearly visible in the side view.

[0042] In Fig. 3 The transition of the torpedo 20 from the loading device 10 into the gun tube 30 is shown. Also shown are two gun tubes 30 positioned side by side. To better support the weight of the loading device 10 and the torpedo 20, the watercraft 230 has a support 180 below the gun tube 30. It is also evident that the fixing device 60 simultaneously aligns the torpedo with the gun tube 30.

[0043] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a loading device 10 and a gun tube 30 while a torpedo 20 is being transferred from the loading device 10 into the gun tube 30. It is clearly visible that the loading block 170 is located behind the torpedo 20 inside the gun tube 30. Therefore, the loading block 170 must be removed from the inside of the gun tube 30. Only then can the push chain 120 be retracted into the loading device 10. For this purpose, the push chain 120 and the loading block 170 can be detachably connected to each other via the loading block coupling 190, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 5 shown.

[0044] Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows the connection device 70 with a coupling element 80, a fluid-mechanical connecting element 90, and an electrical connecting element 110. The connection device 70 is designed in the form of a quick-release coupling, the operation of which is described in Figure 1. Fig. 7 This is illustrated using the excavator coupling 200. Such an excavator coupling 200 is typically mounted on the excavator arm to accommodate various buckets. First, the hooks 210 engage with the coupling element 80. Then, the excavator coupling 200 is folded down, establishing the fluid-mechanical and electrical connections. To secure the connections, the two bolts 220 are then extended, engaging in corresponding holes in the connection device and thus locking the quick-release coupling.

[0045] Fig. 8 The figure schematically shows the loading process: a land vehicle 240, for example an excavator, carries the loading device 10, which is loaded with torpedo 20, and guides it to the gun barrel of the watercraft 230.

[0046] In Fig. 9 und Fig. 10 A fixing device 60 with a flat surface 110 is shown. Fig. 9 still shows schematic parts of the watercraft 230, while these are in Fig. 10 have been omitted for the sake of simplicity. The one in Fig. 9 The indicated container is merely intended to show that a container can also be arranged here instead of the fixing device 60, for example, to accommodate mission-dependent modules. To load the weapon tube 30 with a torpedo 20, the same mounting elements that can secure a container are used to secure the fixing device 60. A loading device 10 (in Fig. 9 und Fig. 10 (Highly simplified representation) can be moved horizontally across the flat surface 110 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the loading device 10 in order to be positioned directly behind the selected gun barrel 30. This makes it possible to load both gun barrels 30 shown; the fixing device 60 only needs to be attached and removed once for both loading operations.

[0047] Insofar as the invention refers to loading or a loading device, the loading device is also suitable for unloading or, if this is not immediately apparent, can be made suitable for an unloading process by simple modification. Reference sign

[0048] 10 Loading device 20 Torpedo 30 Gun tube 40 Drive 50 Fixing element 60 Fixing device 70 Connection device 80 Coupling element 90 Fluid mechanical connecting element 100 Electrical connecting element 110 Flat surface 120 Push chain 130 Push chain storage 140 Lower support 150 Upper support 160 Cross brace 170 Loading jack 180 Support 190 Loading jack coupling 200 Excavator coupling 210 Hook 220 Bolt 230 Watercraft 240 Land vehicle

Claims

1. Loading device (10) for introducing a torpedo (20) into a weapon tube (30) of a watercraft (230), wherein the loading device can be arranged externally on the watercraft (230) with the weapon tube (30) and thus in front of the weapon tube (30), wherein the loading device (10) has at least one storage location for a torpedo (20), wherein the loading device (10) has a transport device for transferring the torpedo (20) into the weapon tube (30) of the watercraft (230), wherein the transport device has a fluid-mechanical drive (40), wherein the loading device (10) has at least one first fixing element (50) for holding a torpedo (20) in the loading device (10), wherein the loading device (10) has at least one first fixing device (60), wherein the first fixing device (60) is configured for producing a connection to the weapon tube (30), wherein the loading device (10) has a connection device (70), wherein the connection device (70) has at least one coupling element (80) for force-locking connection with a lifting device, characterized in that the connection device (70) has at least one fluid-mechanical connection element (90).

2. Loading device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection device (70) is designed as a quick coupling.

3. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection device (70) additionally has an electrical connection element (100).

4. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing element (50) is designed as a clamping band.

5. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing device (60) is designed as a separate component.

6. Loading device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the fixing device (60) has a planar surface (110), on which the loading device (10) is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the loading device (10).

7. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid-mechanical drive (40) is a hydraulic drive (40).

8. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device has a push chain (120).

9. Loading device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the loading device (10) has a push chain storage (130), wherein the push chain storage (130) is arranged below the storage location for the torpedo (20).

10. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading device (10) has an adjustment device for relative alignment with respect to a weapon tube (30).

11. Loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the loading device (10) has a lower carrier (140) and an upper carrier (150), wherein the lower carrier (140) has the storage location for the torpedo (20), the first fixing element (50), and the transport device, wherein the upper carrier (150) has the connection device (70).

12. System consisting of a watercraft (230) with at least one first weapon tube (30), a land vehicle (240) with a lifting device and a fluid-mechanical system, as well as a loading device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for introducing a torpedo (20) into a weapon tube (30) of a watercraft (230), wherein the method has the following steps: a) Connecting a loading device (10) with a land vehicle (240) having a lifting device, b) Arranging the loading device (10) externally in front of the muzzle flap of the weapon tube (30), c) Fastening the loading device (10) to the watercraft (230) by means of a fixing device (60), d) Releasing the lifting device of the land vehicle (240), e) Introducing the torpedo (20) into the weapon tube (30) by means of a transport device, f) Removing the transport device from the weapon tube (30), g) Removing the loading device (10).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the method additionally has the following step: h) Introducing a torpedo (20) into the loading device (10), wherein step h) is carried out before step a) or step e).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the torpedo (20) is rotated after the introduction in step h).

16. Method according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the torpedo (20) is aligned flush with the weapon tube (30) after the introduction in step h).

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the method additionally has the following steps: i) Fixing the torpedo (20) with the at least one first fixing element (50) after the introduction in step h), j) Releasing the at least one first fixing element (50) immediately before step e).

18. Method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that in step a) the loading device (10) is additionally connected with a fluid-mechanical system of the land vehicle (240).

19. Method according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the introduction in step e) takes place with a telescopic rack.

Images