Amphibious torpedo tube launching system

Abstract

The invention relates to a torpedo amphibious tube (12) that is deployed by and remote-controlled from a land-based vehicle, and can operate amphibiously, dive and be brought back and used again.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a torpedo tube that is deployed by and remote-controlled from a land-based vehicle, and can operate amphibiously, dive and be brought back and used again.STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A torpedo, launched from underwater with compressed air or in swim-out mode, is an explosive underwater weapon that advances to its target using its rudder and propeller. It is generally used in submarines and warships.

[0003] Heavyweight torpedoes are launched from submarine platforms in classical practice. With these weapons, submarines appear in the seas as an important deterrent in peacetime and a threat in wartime. While they can be a mobile element, they also undertake tasks such as ambush, surveillance and intelligence gathering. However, it is essential for submarines to remain hidden and their freedom of movement is limited in order to keep to this principle. The potential to become prey while being a hunter always exists. It is natural and necessary for countries, especially those with long coastlines and under threat or marking from sea (surface or undersea) elements, to want to protect and defend their coasts against submarines. Assigning protection and defence duties to a limited number of submarines and keeping the submarine fleet constantly ready and alert may not be possible or appropriate in terms of logistics, economy, time and resource management. The limited number of submarine bases also creates additional difficulties in terms of logistics.

[0004] The fact that torpedoes can be launched from the coastline provides a great advantage in order to protect the coasts at the depth of the heavyweight torpedo range or at least create the potential to be protected. However, in the state of the art, in order for a land fire control vehicle to approach the sea, it must find a coastline with suitable land and water depth, and the vehicle must be able to safely release the torpedo into the water from its location. In addition, when launching from a land vehicle, a minimum water depth is required at the point where the torpedo is released into the water.

[0005] In the state of the art, there are many studies, patents and / or utility model applications related to torpedoes. One of these is the patent application numbered “US2013011196A1”. The invention describes a throwing apparatus for launching an object moving under water and a method in which a moving object is launched under water with the throwing apparatus. There is a launch apparatus used to launch an underwater moving object, a land-based carrier system to carry the underwater moving object, and a deployment system to deploy the launcher on land. The carrier system comprises an deployment system that can move on land and a deployment system that comprises a cage or tubular container to hold the underwater body. A land-based deployment system has been developed in which underwater mobile objects can be deployed directly from land into the water and launched there. The land vehicle approaches the sea at a suitable coastal point and releases the torpedo into the sea.

[0006] Another document in the state of the art is the application numbered “US2012037059A1”. Said invention describes a method for directing a torpedo to at least one target. Here, the torpedo surfaces more than once in a waterway close to the surface and adjacent to the water surface during its course towards the target. Said torpedo has an extendable radio antenna and radio receiver for receiving location data. The torpedo can get to the surface during navigation and receive current position information via GPS, thus eliminating the position error accumulated throughout the range. In addition, with the control section it comprises, the torpedo takes into account the position data to produce control signals presented to the control surfaces of the torpedo so that it moves to the desired target.

[0007] The invention that is the subject of the patent numbered “U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,333A” in the state of the art relates to a system adapted to vehicle launch systems and, more specifically, to the launch of vehicles stored in submarine containers such as missiles, torpedoes, attack mines and mobile mines. It comprises a submarine vehicle storage and launch facility with a vertical or horizontal capsule in which the vehicle is located. It is stated that systems according to the invention comprise a rocket unit as a source of combustion gas to rapidly build up the pressure within the capsule to a level exceeding the hydrostatic pressure on the cap. It is thus explained that the cover can be removed from the sealed opening of the capsule and the vehicle can be launched.

[0008] The invention that is the subject of the patent numbered “JP2022018440A” in the state of the art describes an amphibious vehicle and a method developed to control an amphibious vehicle. The aim of the invention is to provide a control method for an amphibious vehicle that can prevent deterioration of power transmission efficiency and improve energy efficiency depending on the operating mode. The control mechanism determines the buoyancy balance acting on the amphibious vehicle based on the measurement result, and based on this determination result, the buoyancy balance in each ballast tank is improved. In addition, the operational mode is constantly checked with the data collected from the sensors and the appropriate power sequence is activated.

[0009] As can be seen from the content of the patent and utility model applications, examples of which are given above, it is seen that the launches are made directly from the land vehicle, and there is no coast or ground structure suitable for the vehicle to deploy for launch, and water depth is required at the point where the torpedo is released into the water. In the documents in the state of the art, it is also seen that it is not possible to launch the torpedo from the coastal areas where the land launch vehicle cannot approach, and that the torpedo cannot be launched in the desired orientation and at the desired time. For this reason, there is a need for a development that can move on all kinds of coastal surfaces and provide launching opportunities from coastal areas where land launch vehicles cannot approach.

[0010] Another disadvantage of the current system is that in case of launching from a land vehicle, the minimum depth condition must be met to control and propel the torpedo's orientation after entering the water. For this reason, there is a need for a system in which depth and orientation control will be available and the amphibious tube and torpedo can be launched at the desired depth, in the desired orientation and at the desired time.

[0011] Another disadvantage of the current system is that the launched tubes are not reusable. In this case, it causes extra costs. For this reason, an innovation compatible with the tubes that can be returned and reused after the launch is needed.

[0012] As a result, due to the negativities described above and the inadequacy of existing solutions on the subject, a new technology is needed in the relevant technical field.BRIEF DESCRIPTION AND AIMS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a torpedo amphibious tube that meets the above-mentioned requirements, eliminates all disadvantages and brings some additional advantages.

[0014] The most important aim of the invention is to enable countries that have a coastline but do not have submarines or want to launch from land as an alternative to submarines, to launch heavy-weight torpedoes from a tube that can move in all types of coastal ground conditions and is remotely controlled to the desired depth and orientation. In this way, the operational defence line of coastal countries expands and the potential for counter-threats in a much wider area increases. The uncertainty of shooting points and the wide variation of possibilities undermine the opponent's suppression power.

[0015] Another aim of the invention is to enable launching from any type of coast, without the land vehicle having to approach the sea or taking a certain position. With the invention, the majority of the preparation time between the land vehicle approaching the coast and the launching of the torpedo is spent underwater in the case of an amphibious tube, and therefore the risk of airborne counterattack or counter-surveillance / counter-intelligence is minimised.

[0016] Another aim of the invention is to enable the torpedo to be hidden under water. In the system that is the subject of the invention, the land vehicle can wait after releasing the torpedo amphibious tube into the sea, and thus the torpedo can be hidden under water.

[0017] Another aim of the invention is to ensure that the tube can be reused. To this end, there is a crane on the land vehicle, by means of which the tube is deployed on the coast and taken back from the coast. In order for the land vehicle to lower the tube to the coast and then load it back to the vehicle from the coast, the transport lines connected to the land vehicle's crane are also carried out by means of eye bolts fixed on the tube.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is the drawing showing the view of the crane land vehicle integrated with the tube deployment control cabin and torpedo launch control cabin in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is the drawing showing the view of the amphibious tube being deployed on land in the system that is the subject of the invention, the tube entering the water and starting to float, the torpedo leaving the tube and the tube returning to land.

[0020] FIG. 3 is the drawing showing the general view of the amphibious torpedo tube system in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is the drawing showing the general view of the amphibious torpedo tube launch system in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is the drawing showing the front view of the amphibious torpedo tube system in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is the drawing showing the rear view of the amphibious torpedo tube system in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is the drawing showing the top view of the amphibious torpedo tube launch system in the system that is the subject of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is the drawing showing the bottom view of the amphibious torpedo tube launch system in the system that is the subject of the invention.DEFINITION OF ELEMENTS / PARTS COMPOSING THE INVENTION

[0026] In order to better explain the torpedo amphibious tube launching system developed with this invention, the elements in the figures are numbered and the equivalent of each number is given below:

[0027] 1. Eye bolt

[0028] 2. Wheel

[0029] 3. Connection cable

[0030] 4. Propeller

[0031] 5. Pressure gauge

[0032] 6. Track angle control and drive unit

[0033] 7. Central processing unit

[0034] 8. Land vehicle

[0035] 9. Torpedo launch control unit

[0036] 10. Tube deployment control unit

[0037] 11. Crane

[0038] 12. Torpedo amphibious tube

[0039] 13. Torpedo

[0040] 14. Coarse and fine adjustment water tank mechanism valvesDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The invention relates to a torpedo amphibious tube (12) that is deployed by and remote-controlled from a land-based vehicle, and can operate amphibiously, dive and be brought back and used again.

[0042] The torpedo amphibious tube (12) launching system comprises an eye bolt (1) to which the transport line is attached, which is fixed on the top of the tube and connected to the crane (11) of the land vehicle so that the land vehicle (8) can place the tube on the coast and bring it back from the coast and load it back to the land vehicle (8), electric motor for movement on land, which enables the movement of the torpedo amphibious tube on the land part of the coast, motion transfer unit that transfers the movement of the electric motor to the wheels (2) at the front and rear of the torpedo amphibious tube (8) for movement on land, wheels (2), which enable the torpedo amphibious tube (8) to move on land, while also being suitable for difficult ground conditions, with the movement received from the motion transfer unit, the guide unit that enables the tube moving on land to turn left and right, connection cable (3), which provides power and communication between the torpedo amphibious tube (12) and the land vehicle (8) by connecting the tube and the torpedo launch control unit (9) and tube deployment control unit (10), coarse adjustment water tank taking in and out water in a controlled manner to enable the tube to gain depth and provide depth control, coarse adjustment water tank mechanism, which provides water and air inlet and outlet to the coarse adjustment water tank via coarse and fine adjustment water tank mechanism valves (14), fine adjustment water tank located at rear, in front, on the starboard side and on the port side of the torpedo amphibious tube (12) and draining and receiving water in a controlled manner for the bow / stern and roll angle control of the tube, coarse and fine adjustment water tank mechanism valves (14) and fine adjustment water tank mechanism that provides water and inlet and outlet to the fine adjustment water tank, electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea, which drives the propellers (4) and drives the tube at sea, propellers (4), which produce the thrust force and rotate opposite each other at the port and starboard sides of the tube at the stern, inertial measurement unit for orientation control and stabilisation of the tube in the sea, pressure meter (5) for depth measurement, gyrocompass, which measures the angle between the nose direction of the tube, that is, the launching direction of the torpedo, and the north, the rudder located at the stern to control the track angle and the track angle control and drive unit (6) that drives the rudder, the central processing unit (7), which manages the adjustment and drive mechanisms (track angle control and drive unit (6), electric motor and drive unit, coarse adjustment water tank mechanism and fine adjustment water tank mechanism) according to the data collected from the measurement units (gyrocompass, inertial measurement unit, pressure meter (5)), land vehicle (8) that deploys the tube on the coast and brings it back from the coast with the crane (11) it comprises, torpedo launch control unit (9) through which the launching sequence of the torpedo (13) is managed by the operator, and the tube deployment control unit (10) which is used by the operator to manage the deployment of the tube to the desired point. The launch sequence describes a series of torpedo-related operations that do not directly concern the launch system, such as powering the torpedo, testing and parameter loading, until the moment of launch.

[0043] The central processing unit (7) can also communicate with the land vehicle (8). The land vehicle (8) also provides the power of the tube and the torpedo (13) inserted into it, and also comprises the torpedo launch control unit (9) and the tube deployment control unit (10).

[0044] In the system developed with the invention, first the land vehicle (8) approaches the area where the launch is planned to be executed as far as the ground allows and is positioned in a suitable position. There is the operator, torpedo launch control unit (9) and tube deployment control unit (10) on the land vehicle (8). The operator drives the land vehicle (8) and manages the crane. In addition, it connects the torpedo amphibious tube to the crane using its eye bolts (1) and places the tube on the coast. It also establishes the inter-connection between the torpedo launch control unit (9) and the tube deployment control unit (10) and the tube. The tube deployment control unit (10) powers the tube systems. The torpedo launch control unit (9) powers the torpedo systems. In addition, navigation depth and torpedo launch depth parameters are sent to the tube from the tube deployment control unit (10).

[0045] The tube deployment control unit (10) is used to manually manage the guidance unit by energising the electric motor for movement on land and visually guide it towards the sea. Afterwards, the tube deployment control unit (10) operates the electric motor and drive unit for movement in the sea when the propeller (4) touches the water. When the wheels (2) are released from the land, they turn off the electric motor used for movement on land. Meanwhile, the tube deployment control unit (10) provides the speed adjustment of the electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea and starts its navigation from the surface or underwater according to the previously sent navigation depth parameter.

[0046] In addition to speed control and adjustment, there is also a coarse adjustment water tank mechanism and a fine adjustment water tank mechanism for depth, roll, starboard and stern control. The coarse adjustment water tank mechanism also consists of a valve set that provides water and air inlet / outlet to the coarse adjustment water tank, air inlet / outlet and water inlet valve set to the coarse adjustment water tank, and the unit that controls this set. The fine adjustment water tank mechanism provides water and air inlet and outlet to the fine adjustment water tank, and is a mechanism that controls the fine adjustment water tank air inlet and outlet and the water inlet valve set.

[0047] In addition, the track angle control and drive unit (6) is used to control the track angle, and the electric motor and drive unit are constantly active for movement at sea for speed adjustment. For these systems, the tube internal commands are generated by the central processing unit (7), which collects data from the gyrocompass, inertial measurement unit and pressure gauge (5). The location and orientation information of the tube is transferred live from the central processing unit (7) to the tube deployment control unit (10). When the tube reaches its launch position and orientation, the tube deployment control unit (10) stops the electric motor and drive unit for sea movement, but the fine adjustment water tank mechanism remains active for position and orientation stabilisation.

[0048] The torpedo launch control unit (9) sends external power to the torpedo (13). The tube transfers this external power coming for the torpedo (13) to the torpedo. After the torpedo (13) turns on, the torpedo launch control unit (9) sends the pre-launch parameter set to the torpedo (13) and switches the torpedo (13) to internal power. The parameter set defines the initial set of data packets that a launch control system sends or assigns to a torpedo. After the parameter set is sent, the torpedo launch control unit (9) becomes capable of launching the torpedo (13) when the ready-to-launch information comes from the torpedo (13). When the torpedo launch control unit (9) sends the launch command, the torpedo (13) leaves the tube in swim-out mode. A coarse adjustment water tank mechanism and a fine adjustment water tank mechanism are used to compensate for the total buoyancy change and centre of gravity shift that will occur in the meantime, in a way that preserves the direction of the tube.

[0049] In addition, for torpedoes (13) that can perform external guidance via the guidance wire, since there will be communication between the torpedo (13) and the tube via the guidance wire during its course, the tube continues to maintain its position and orientation until the torpedo (13) ends its course. After the torpedo (13) ends its course, the tube deployment control unit (10) takes over control to bring the tube back to land. The coarse adjustment water tank mechanism and fine adjustment water tank mechanism are used for depth, roll and starboard-stern control, the track angle control and drive unit (6) is used for track angle, and the electric motor and drive unit are constantly activated for speed adjustment for movement in the sea.

[0050] The tube deployment control unit (10) activates the electric motor for movement on land when the wheels (2) at the front step on the land. When the propellers (4) come out of the water, they turn off the electric motor and propulsion unit for movement in the sea. Afterwards, when the tube is completely on land, the tube deployment control unit (10) manually manages and monitors it with the guide unit and drives the tube to the point where it can be taken with the crane (11) of the land vehicle. Then it cuts the power of the tube. Then, the operator removes the connection cable (3) of the tube and connects the torpedo amphibious tube (12) to the crane (11) using the eyebolts (1). The tube is then loaded back to the land vehicle (8) by crane (11).

[0051] With the developed system, it is also possible to develop an amphibious tube that can move independently of the land vehicle (8), where launch parameters are loaded while on the land vehicle (8) and then disconnected from the land vehicle (8). Additionally, salvo operations can be organised with multiple amphibious tubes. With a group of autonomous torpedo amphibious tubes ready for operation, in any orientation and position and at any time, coastal defence capability can be increased to a more threatening level and more flexible planning can be achieved.

[0052] With the invention, the land vehicle (8) can deploy the torpedo with its tube on the coast and remotely control the tube to deliver it to the sea under all types of coast conditions, and by taking advantage of its amphibious feature, it can float the tube to a pre-planned point at a distance (limited only by cabling, if used) off the coast and with a water depth of preferably at least approximately 6 meters, bring to a suitable position and launch torpedoes in any direction it wishes.

Claims

1. A torpedo tube launch system, comprising:a central processing unit (7) configured to manage a track angle control and drive unit (6), an electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea, a coarse adjustment water tank mechanism, and a fine adjustment water tank mechanism, according to data from a gyrocompass, an inertial measurement unit, and a pressure meter (5),a torpedo launch control unit (9) for managing a launching sequence of a torpedo (13) by an operator,a tube deployment control unit (10) for managing a positioning of the tube at a desired point by the operator, anda connection cable (3) having a first and a second end, the connection cable (3) for providing power and communication between a torpedo amphibious tube (12) and a land vehicle (8) connected at the first end to the torpedo amphibious tube (12) and at the second end to the torpedo launch control unit (9) and the tube deployment control unit (10).

2. The launch system according to claim 1, comprising a coarse adjustment water tank that takes and drains water in a controlled manner to enable the tube to gain depth and provide depth control.

3. The launch system according to claim 2, wherein the coarse adjustment water tank mechanism is configured to provide water and air inlet and outlet to the coarse adjustment water tank via coarse and fine adjustment water tank mechanism valves (14).

4. The launch system according to claim 1, comprising a fine adjustment water tank for controlling a bow / stern and roll angle of the tube in a controlled manner.

5. The launch system according to claim 4, wherein the fine adjustment water tank mechanism is configured to provide water and input and output to the fine adjustment water tank with coarse and fine adjustment water tank mechanism valves (14).

6. The launch system according to claim 1, wherein the gyrocompass measures an angle of a nose of the tube with respect to a true north direction.

7. The launch system according to claim 1, wherein the inertial measurement unit provides orientation control and stabilization of the tube at sea.

8. The launch system according to claim 1, comprising a rudder located at a stern of the tube to control track angle of the tube, and wherein the track angle control and drive unit (6) drives the rudder.

9. The launch system according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor and drive unit drives propellers (4) that drive the tube at sea.

10. The launch system according to claim 1, comprising a motion transfer unit for movement of the tube on a land part of a coast and which transfers movement of the electric motor to wheels (2) located at a front and a rear of the land vehicle (8) for movement on land.

11. The launch system according to claim 1, wherein the tube deployment control unit (10) is configured to enable speed adjustment of the electric motor and drive unit.

12. A method of a torpedo tube launch system, comprising the steps of:deployment of a land vehicle (8) to an area where for launching,managing a tube deployment control unit (10) by energizing an electric motor for movement on land and then towards sea,starting an electric motor and drive unit for movement in the sea when a propeller (4) reaches water,providing speed adjustment of the electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea,transferring location and orientation information of the tube from a central processing unit (7) to a tube deployment control unit (10),stopping the electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea when the tube reaches a predetermined launching position and orientation,sending a pre-launch parameter set to a torpedo (13) after the torpedo (13) is activated,launching the torpedo (13) from the tube when a torpedo launch control unit (9) sends a launch command, andretrieving the tube by the tube deployment control unit (10).

13. The method of the torpedo tube launch system according to claim 12, wherein the step of retrieving the tube by the tube deployment control unit (10) comprises the following steps of:activating the electric motor for movement on land when wheels (2) at a front of the land vehicle (8) touch land,turning off the electric motor and drive unit for movement at sea when the propellers (4) come out of the water,managing the tube with a guide unit and so that the tube is driven to a point adjacent to a crane (11),cutting off power to the tube,removing a connection cable (3) of the tube and connecting the connection cable (3) to the crane (11) through eyebolts (1), andreloading the tube (12) to the land vehicle (8) by the crane (11).

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