Method for combating a torpedo

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for combating a torpedo, having the following steps: a) detecting the torpedo; b) tracking a trajectory of the torpedo; c) navigating a combating projectile to a specified distance from the torpedo; and d) generating a detonation by means of the combating projectile (20) in order to combat the torpedo when the combating projectile (20) has reached the specified distance from the torpedo.

Description

[0001] Methods for combating a torpedo

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to the combating of torpedoes or the protection of a floating or partially or fully submerged platform from one or more torpedoes.

[0004] A torpedo is an underwater weapon designed as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with an explosive charge. Mixed forms are also possible. The torpedo detonates upon contact with or upon approaching a target. The torpedo serves, for example, as the primary weapon of manned and unmanned platforms, such as submarines, but can also be deployed from surface vessels, aircraft, and helicopters, or fired from land. Due to their mechanism of action, current defense measures only provide partial protection against individual torpedo attack methods and, due to advances in torpedo technology, are increasingly less likely to be effective.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an improved concept for combating torpedoes, in particular regardless of their attack method.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0007] Embodiments show a method for combating a torpedo. In a first step (a), the torpedo is detected. Detection is preferably carried out by means of sensors, for example active and / or passive sonar. Detection can be carried out by a combat vessel or any water platform, in particular the water platform from which the combat vessel is launched. It is also possible to detect the torpedo using one or more sonobuoys. In a second step (b), the trajectory of the torpedo is tracked. For this purpose, the position of the torpedo can be determined repeatedly, in particular continuously. This means that the position of the torpedo is also determined after the combat vessel has been launched. In particular, the position of the torpedo is determined until the torpedo has been combated, ie, preferably rendered harmless.In another view, the position of the torpedo is determined at least from the time the torpedo is detected until the combat vehicle triggers the detonation to combat the torpedo. The position of the torpedo can be determined using beamforming, for example. The calculation of the torpedo's trajectory can be carried out using the combat vehicle or the water platform. It is also optionally possible to use sensor data from both the sensors of the combat vehicle and the water platform to determine the torpedo's trajectory. The sensor data or the calculated trajectory can be sent from the water platform to the combat vehicle, e.g. using a fiber optic cable, particularly before launch.

[0008] The torpedo's trajectory is preferably determined in real time. This means that the torpedo's current position is determined regularly. The frequency of the position determination depends on the usual time required by the sensors, such as the sonar system, to update the situational picture of the attack vehicle. For example, the situational picture is updated once per second, so that the torpedo's current position is also re-determined once per second. However, any other update intervals can also be provided. It should be noted, however, that the intervals cannot be arbitrarily short due to the measurement time required by the sensors.

[0009] The missile can now be navigated to a predetermined distance from the torpedo in a third step (c). This can be done depending on the torpedo's specific positions. It should be noted that, in general, instead of a single missile, a plurality of missiles can also be deployed, typically simultaneously, to engage the torpedo. The fact that the missiles are deployed simultaneously refers to the fact that the missile does not wait until one missile has failed to achieve its mission objective—i.e., disabling the torpedo—before deploying another missile. Rather, both missiles attempt to pursue their mission objective simultaneously, particularly independently of one another.

[0010] In further embodiments, in a further step (e), one or more future positions of the torpedo, i.e., a future trajectory, can also be predicted in order to improve the navigation of the combat vehicle. The prediction of the future trajectory can be based, for example, on the torpedo's previous trajectory and its speed. Furthermore, it is possible to perform the calculation of the torpedo's future trajectory multiple times in order to obtain updates to the prediction of the future trajectory. For example, an update of the prediction of the future trajectory can be made after a current position of the torpedo has been determined, in particular after each current position of the torpedo has been determined.

[0011] Once the torpedo launcher has reached the specified distance from the torpedo, i.e., its target, it generates a detonation to engage the torpedo. The goal of engaging the torpedo is to prevent the torpedo from attacking its target. This can be achieved by completely destroying the torpedo, for example, by triggering the torpedo's explosive charge. However, it can also be sufficient if the torpedo's hull is destroyed, its electronics are damaged by water penetration, or the torpedo's propulsion or guidance system no longer functions properly due to the detonation.

[0012] The idea is to use an anti-torpedo torpedo to target the attacking torpedo in its path and engage it with a targeted detonation. This means that the anti-torpedo torpedo actively steers toward the torpedo. This allows for early engagement of the torpedo, thus enabling effective defense against torpedoes.

[0013] In one embodiment, the combat moving body brings about a collision with the torpedo in step c) in order to generate the detonation in step d). The combat moving body can preferably hit the torpedo laterally, i.e. for example from the side, from above, from below, or at any angle in between. This means that the predetermined distance is set to “0”. Hitting the torpedo has various advantages. Firstly, the torpedo experiences the greatest effect from the detonation when the detonation is triggered by the impact. The probability of the torpedo being completely destroyed, which is the safest way to combat the torpedo, is therefore greatest. Triggering by impact is also the safest way to trigger the detonation at the right time. Furthermore, unintentional triggering by the trigger, for example a mechanical or electrical one, is effectively prevented.In the case of an ignition that is carried out solely by software, appropriate safety measures would have to be taken to prevent the unintentional triggering of the detonation.

[0014] In further embodiments, in step c) the combat vehicle first navigates to a target coordinate determined depending on the future trajectory. Before the combat vehicle arrives at its target, this target coordinate is updated based on updates of the future trajectory of the torpedo in order to improve navigation. This means that the combat vehicle preferably calculates the future trajectory of the torpedo. The necessary sensor data can originate from sensors on the combat vehicle, but also from sensors on the water platform. Transmission of the data from the water platform to the combat vehicle is possible, for example, via fiber optic cable. If the fiber optic cable is broken, the torpedo's trajectory can also be determined solely using the sensors on the combat vehicle.

[0015] In further embodiments, the target coordinate is initially determined on the water platform that deploys the combat vehicle, and the combat vehicle independently updates the target coordinate after launch to obtain an improved target coordinate. This means that the combat vehicle receives a target specification from its water platform, which the combat vehicle can autonomously adjust, for example, through more precise calculations of the torpedo's trajectory and / or a more accurate arrival or impact time. The determination can be performed on the water platform based on sensor data originating from sensors on the water platform and / or from sensors on the combat vehicle.

[0016] Similarly, a torpedo-defense vehicle is disclosed. The torpedo-defense vehicle comprises a sensor configured to repeatedly determine environmental information significant for the torpedo and to output corresponding sensor signals. A (active and / or passive) sonar is suitable as a sensor. Furthermore, the torpedo-defense vehicle comprises an explosive charge configured to combat the torpedo. This means that the explosive charge is selected to be so powerful that, upon detonation at a predetermined distance, the torpedo sustains such damage that it can no longer attack the water platform or another water platform.

[0017] The combat vehicle further comprises a control unit configured to detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals, track the torpedo's trajectory, and navigate the combat vehicle to a predetermined distance from the torpedo. The control unit or the combat vehicle can detonate the explosive charge when the predetermined distance from the torpedo is reached. This means that the explosive charge is detonated, for example, electrically by means of the control unit or mechanically, e.g., by means of an impact fuse. Optionally, the control unit can execute the above-described method steps (fully or partially).

[0018] Furthermore, a water platform with a combat moving body, a sensor, a signal processing unit, and a deployment device is disclosed. The combat moving body is designed to combat the torpedo. The sensor is designed to repeatedly determine environmental information that is significant for the torpedo and to output corresponding sensor signals in each case. The signal processing unit is designed to detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals and to track a trajectory of the torpedo. The deployment device is designed to release the combat moving body from the water platform into the water surrounding the water platform. The signal processing unit can then determine a target coordinate for combating the torpedo and specify the target coordinate to the combat moving body. Optionally, the signal processing unit can carry out the method steps described above until the combat moving body is released.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control device of the water platform is the control device described above. Using the sensor technology, the control device, in particular its control unit, can also carry out all the method steps, even if the control device is (mechanically) connected to the water platform. When using sonar as a sensor, the control device can be arranged on the water platform so that it is already in the water, thus enabling it to receive the sound waves.

[0020] Similarly, a computer program is disclosed which comprises instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method described above.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0022] Fig. 1 : a schematic side view of a control walking body;

[0023] Fig. 2: a schematic side view of a water platform with the control body.

[0024] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, it is pointed out that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to one another.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an attack moving body 20. The attack moving body has a sensor 22, an explosive charge 24, and a control unit 26. The sensor 22 repeatedly determines environmental information that is significant for torpedoes to be detected and outputs corresponding sensor signals 23 based on the environmental information. The torpedo can be attacked, in particular destroyed, using the explosive charge 24. The control unit 26 can detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals 23, track the torpedo's trajectory, and navigate the attack moving body to a predetermined distance from the torpedo. Once the attack moving body 20 has reached the predetermined distance from the torpedo, the control unit 26 can trigger the explosive charge, in particular detonate it, using an ignition signal 27. Alternatively, other ignition mechanisms are also conceivable.For example, the explosive charge can also be detonated by impacting the torpedo using an impact fuse. Generally, it is conceivable to detonate the explosive charge mechanically or by the control unit receiving information from the impact that the specified distance to the torpedo has been reached and issuing the detonation signal.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a water platform 28. The water platform 28 comprises an attack moving body for combating a torpedo. Optionally, the attack moving body can be the attack moving body 20 from Fig. 1. The water platform further comprises a sensor 30, a signal processing unit 32, and a deployment device 34. The sensor 30 can repeatedly determine environmental information that is significant for the torpedo and output corresponding sensor signals 31. The sensor 30 of the water platform and the sensor 22 of the attack moving body can be the same sensors or sensors that use the same sensor principle. This means that the sensors can each be sonars. However, the sensor of the attack moving body can be a hull-mounted sonar, which is preferably mounted on the bow.The sonar on the water platform can be a side-scan sonar. It is also possible that one of the two sensors uses an active sonar, while the other uses a passive sonar. The sonar sensor is chosen only as an example. Preferably, a plurality of sensors is used to detect the torpedo, rather than just a single sensor.

[0027] Examples of alternative sensors are optical sensors, e.g., cameras, which enable detection by flying over, at least in clear and / or shallow waters. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a combination of a plurality of similar sensors, e.g., sensors, for detection or to employ different measurement methods. For example, sonobuoys, sensors anchored to the seabed, or other watercraft can send their information to the combat vessel or its water platform. Furthermore, it is possible to use the (preferably active) sonar of these sensors for bi- or multi-static sonar detection methods. Furthermore, sensors can detect the torpedo based on its magnetic field. Sensors anchored to the seabed, in particular, can have such magnetic field sensors. The signal processing unit 32 can detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals and track the torpedo's trajectory.

[0028] The deployment device 34 can release the combat moving body from the water platform 28 into the water surrounding the water platform. Here, a deployment device 34 is shown on the deck or below deck of a surface vessel as the water platform 28. However, it is also possible, for example, to use a torpedo tube as the deployment device.

[0029] If the torpedo is detected, the signal processing unit 32 can determine a target coordinate and specify the target coordinate to the combat vehicle.

[0030] The signal processing unit 32 and the control unit 26 can therefore carry out parts of the described method in a coordinated manner, regardless of the respective embodiment. However, only the control unit 26 of the control moving body is capable of independently carrying out the entire method when suitably positioned, even on the water platform. The disclosed (water) sound transducers are designed for use underwater, in particular at sea. The sound transducers can convert water sound into an electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) corresponding to the sound pressure, the water sound signal. Furthermore, it is possible for the sound transducers to convert an applied electrical voltage into water sound. The sound transducers can therefore be used as water sound receivers and / or as water sound transmitters.The transducers can be made of a piezoelectric material, such as a piezoceramic, as their sensor material. The transducers can be used for (active and / or passive) sonar (sound navigation and ranging). This means that the underwater sound transducers can be part of a sonar system. The transducers are preferably not suitable for medical applications and are not used for medical applications.

[0031] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0032] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein. List of Reference Symbols:

[0033] 20 combat walking bodies

[0034] 22 Sensor 23 Sensor signal

[0035] 24 explosive charges

[0036] 26 Control unit

[0037] 27 Ignition signal

[0038] 28 Water platform 30 Platform sensor

[0039] 31 Sensor signal

[0040] 32 Signal processing unit

[0041] 34 Dispensing device

Claims

Patent claims 1 . A method for combating a torpedo, comprising the following steps: a) detecting the torpedo; b) tracking a trajectory of the torpedo; c) navigating a combat moving body to a predetermined distance from the torpedo; d) generating a detonation with the combat moving body (20) to combat the torpedo when the combat moving body (20) has reached the predetermined distance from the torpedo.

2. Method according to claim 1 with a further step e): predicting the future trajectory of the torpedo.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein step e) is performed multiple times to obtain updates to the prediction of the future trajectory of the torpedo.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the combat moving body (20) in step c) causes a collision with the torpedo in order to produce the detonation in step d).

5. The method according to claim 3 or claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein in step c) the combat vehicle (20) first navigates to a target coordinate determined as a function of the future trajectory, and this target coordinate is updated before the arrival of the combat vehicle based on updates of the future trajectory of the torpedo in order to improve navigation.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the target coordinate is first determined on a water platform (28) which deploys the combat vehicle (20), and the combat vehicle (20) independently updates the target coordinate after launch in order to obtain an improved target coordinate.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step c) comprises actively steering the combat vehicle toward the torpedo.

8. Combat body (20) for combating a torpedo with the following features: - a sensor (22) designed to repeatedly determine environmental information that is significant for the torpedo and to output corresponding sensor signals (23) in each case; - an explosive charge (24) designed to combat the torpedo; - a control unit (26) configured to detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals (23), track a trajectory of the torpedo, and navigate the combat moving body (20) to a predetermined distance from the torpedo; - wherein the control unit (26) or the combat moving body (20) is designed to detonate the explosive charge when the predetermined distance to the torpedo is reached.

9. Combat moving body (20) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Water platform with the following features: - a combat body (20) designed to combat a torpedo; - a sensor (30) which is designed to repeatedly determine environmental information which is significant for the torpedo and to output corresponding sensor signals (31) in each case; - a signal processing unit (32) configured to detect the torpedo based on the sensor signals (31) and to track a trajectory of the torpedo; - a deployment device (34) designed to release the control moving body (20) from the water platform (28) into the water surrounding the water platform; - wherein the signal processing unit (32) is configured to determine a target coordinate for combating the torpedo and to specify the target coordinate to the combat vehicle (20).

11. Water platform according to claim 10, wherein the combat vehicle (20) is a combat vehicle (20) according to claim 8 or claim 9.

12. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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