Underwater vehicle with an external tank

Abstract

TITLE: Underwater vehicle comprising an external tank This underwater vehicle is characterized in that it comprises a strong hull (2), a hydrodynamic hull (3) and a tank (4), the tank being mounted integrally outside the strong hull. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Underwater vehicle comprising an external tank

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater vehicle comprising a tank external to its hull resistant to immersion pressure.

[0002] It is known that there are submarines with two hulls, a hull resistant to immersion pressure, and a hydrodynamic hull.

[0003] The resistant shell is generally made of a cylinder shape closed by two half-spheres.

[0004] The hydrodynamic hull envelops the resistant hull completely or partially, and makes it possible to give the submarine a hull shape presenting reduced drag compared to the shape imposed by the resistant hull.

[0005] The hydrodynamic hull is permeable to sea water.

[0006] It therefore has no constraint of resistance to immersion pressure.

[0007] Some double-hulled submarines (strong hull and hydrodynamic hull) store all or part of their fuel in boxes that are not resistant to immersion pressure in the space between the strong hull and the hydrodynamic hull, which is called the inter-hull space.

[0008] This existing solution generates several technical problems: The boxes are made of welded metal partitions which are complex to produce; They are manufactured directly on the hull, which can impact the submarine's construction schedule; Access to these boxes, during welding, painting or inspection operations, is made difficult or even impossible depending on the size and shape of the inter-hull space; Crates are confined spaces that require special precautions to avoid any human risk; Access to the durable hull for inspection and repair operations is made complex.

[0009] The aim of the invention is therefore to solve these problems.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to an underwater vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a strong hull, a hydrodynamic hull and a tank, the tank being mounted integrally outside the strong hull.

[0011] According to other characteristics of the underwater vehicle according to the invention, taken alone or in combination: - The tank of the underwater vehicle is fixed to the strong hull by a fixing device that can be removed without damage; - The tank of the underwater vehicle has a hydrodynamic shape in continuity with the hydrodynamic hull; - The tank of the underwater vehicle is a fuel tank.

[0012] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] represents an underwater vehicle equipped with an external tank, detached from the underwater vehicle; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents the continuity of shape of the hydro hull dynamics achieved by the shape given to the tank.

[0013] These figures, and in particular [Fig. 1], show an underwater vehicle designated by the general reference 1 in these figures.

[0014] This underwater vehicle is, for example, a submarine itself.

[0015] This conventionally comprises a resistant hull designated by the general reference 2, that is to say resistant to immersion pressure and in which the crew is housed, for example.

[0016] The submarine also comprises a hydrodynamic hull designated by the general reference 3, around the resistant hull, having a hydrodynamic shape and comprising a certain number of functional organs of the submarine.

[0017] These organs are then placed for example in the inter-hull space which is the space between the resistant hull and the hydrodynamic hull.

[0018] These organs can be a reservoir designated by the general reference 4, the shape of which can for example take on the general shape of the hydrodynamic hull 3.

[0019] For the purpose of understanding, the tank 4 is drawn dismantled from the submarine 1.

[0020] In one embodiment, the shape of the reservoir 4 takes on the general shape of the hydrodynamic hull 3.

[0021] It is then understood that when the tank 4 is mounted on the submarine 1, the hydrodynamic shape of the submarine is reconstituted.

[0022] This makes it possible to have a tank 4 accessible without dismantling the hydrodynamic hull 3 while retaining the hydrodynamic performance of the submarine 1.

[0023] The tank will preferably be made of a material other than steel to avoid corrosion problems, such as for example polymer or composite material such as fiberglass and resin.

[0024] The tank may be provided to be removably mounted on the submarine using a removable fixing device, for example by bolting or pinning means, which gives the advantage of being removable for a possible inspection or repair without damaging the equipment.

[0025] The tank can for example be fixed to the resistant hull.

[0026] The tank will for example be intended to receive fuel, but other fluids can be considered.

[0027] It is therefore understood that such a submarine presents a certain number of advantages.

[0028] Indeed, since the tank can be removed from the submarine, it is possible to envisage parallel or anticipated manufacturing.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to use the shape of the reservoir as a standard that would be applied to different fluids.

[0030] The overall manufacturing process would be simplified.

[0031] Furthermore, thanks to the use of non-metallic materials, for example by a manufacturing process simpler than on-site welding (molding, injection, rotational molding, etc.), the overall mass can be reduced and the submarine can have a reduced magnetic signature and target index compared to a conventional design.

[0032] In addition, since the tank can be dismantled, it can easily be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced.

[0033] In particular, it is possible to directly access the resistant hull when the tank is dismantled.

[0034] The submarine no longer has a tank integrated into its structure, making it easier to maintain in operational condition.

Claims

Claims

1. Underwater vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a strong hull (2), a hydrodynamic hull (3) and a tank (4), the tank being mounted integrally outside the strong hull, fixed to the strong hull (2) by a fixing device which can be removed without damage and has a hydrodynamic shape in continuity with the hydrodynamic hull.

2. Underwater vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (4) is a fuel tank

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