Submarine missile launching system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a submarine missile launching system capable of launching a missile through communication and cooperation between a submarine and missile launchers which are unmanned submarines and, more specifically, to a submarine missile launching system comprising: a submarine; and at least one missile launcher which is connected to the submarine through wired and wireless communication to transmit and receive information and which operates by receiving a control signal from the submarine.

Description

submarine missile launch system

[0001] The present invention relates to a submarine missile launch system, and more particularly, to a submarine missile launch system capable of launching missiles through communication and cooperation between submarines and missile launchers that are unmanned submarines.

[0002] Submarines are widely used as underwater transport vehicles that play a vital role in naval and military operations, and submarine missile launch systems in particular can play a significant role in providing strategic missile strike capabilities.

[0003] However, existing submarine missile launch systems had limitations. Typically, submarines would submerge below the surface to conceal their position after launching a missile. In such situations, a hot launch method was used, allowing missiles to be launched only from the surface. However, this method made it easier for the enemy to detect and respond, and carried the risk of the submarine being damaged or exposed to explosions during the missile launch process.

[0004] In other words, existing submarine missile launch systems typically used a hot launch method, which allowed missiles to be launched only from the surface. This required the submarine to surface to launch the missile. This process made the submarine vulnerable to enemy detection and limited its strategic missile attack capabilities.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a submarine missile launch system that enables cooperative operation between a submarine and attached unmanned submarines to overcome the aforementioned limitations and efficiently manages action-reaction during missile launch.

[0006] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a submarine missile launch system that can more flexibly and efficiently launch missiles on and under water, thereby contributing to enhancing the safety and survivability of submarines and improving strategic missile attack capabilities.

[0007] The technical problems to be achieved in the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] The submarine missile launch system of the present invention for achieving the above technical task is characterized by including: a submarine; and at least one missile launcher that is connected to the submarine via wired or wireless communication to transmit and receive information and operates by receiving a control signal from the submarine.

[0009] In addition, the missile launcher is characterized by including: a body; at least one movable propeller disposed at a rear end of the body based on a movement direction of the body; a missile disposed at an inner center of the body based on the movement direction of the body and launched toward the front of the body; and a plurality of directional control propellers disposed at the front and rear of the body respectively based on the movement direction of the body and controlling a movement direction of the body.

[0010] In addition, the missile launcher is characterized in that it switches to a hot launch mode in which the front of the body is positioned above the water surface while the body is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the directional control propeller and the missile is launched on the water surface, or it switches to a cold launch mode in which the front of the body is positioned on the water surface or underwater while the body is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the directional control propeller and the missile is launched.

[0011] In addition, it is characterized by further including a plurality of supports that are coupled to the body to be rotated in a 90-degree direction and are supported on the water surface while being rotated when switching to the hot launch mode.

[0012] In addition, the body is characterized by including a plurality of attitude control propellers that control the arrangement attitude and position of the body when the missile is launched in the hot launch mode and the cold launch mode.

[0013] In addition, the body is further provided with a tube into which air or water is injected, and the underwater height of the body is controlled through the buoyancy of the tube as air or water is injected into the tube.

[0014] In addition, the missile launcher is characterized in that it is further equipped with at least one sensing means for detecting surrounding terrain and surrounding objects.

[0015] In addition, the missile launcher is characterized by further including a folding transport means that is normally stored in a folded state and then unfolds to come into contact with the underwater surface.

[0016] The above embodiments of the present invention are only some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and various embodiments reflecting the technical features of the present invention can be derived and understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field based on the detailed description of the present invention described below.

[0017] The present invention described above has the following effects.

[0018] First, the present invention can improve the performance of a missile launch system through efficient communication and cooperation between unmanned submarines, which are missile launch vehicles connected to submarines, and can improve strategic missile attack capabilities through cooperation between submarines and unmanned submarines.

[0019] In addition, the present invention can effectively control the movement of the body due to action-reaction during missile launch through structural improvement of the propeller and support for attitude control, thereby improving the stability and performance of the submarine during the missile launch process.

[0020] In addition, the present invention provides a function that can flexibly switch between hot launch and cold launch, so that the submarine can freely launch missiles on the surface and underwater, and can adaptively perform operations depending on the situation.

[0021] In addition, the present invention enhances the safety and survivability of submarines, that is, by adding unmanned submarines and controlling their direction, submarines can avoid dangerous situations and operate stably even when launching missiles.

[0022] In addition, the present invention can increase the efficiency and diversity of submarine missile launch systems, thereby enhancing missile attack capabilities in military strategy, thereby increasing the likelihood of success in military operations.

[0023] The effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram according to one embodiment of the submarine missile launch system of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of an operating state in hot launch mode according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of an operating state in cold launch mode according to one embodiment of a submarine missile launch system of the present invention.

[0028] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known structure or function is deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but components may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram of a configuration according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an operating state in a hot launch mode according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an operating state in a cold launch mode according to an embodiment of a submarine missile launch system according to the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the structure of the submarine missile launch system of the present invention is described as follows.

[0032] The submarine missile launch system of the present invention can be largely composed of a submarine (10) and a missile launcher (20).

[0033] The submarine (10) may be configured as a manned submarine. The submarine (10) may be equipped with a wired / wireless communication module for communicating with a missile launcher (20). For example, in the case of wired communication, the submarine (10) and the missile launcher (20) may be connected using an optical communication cable (drawing number not indicated), and a winding reel capable of winding the optical communication cable may be placed on the submarine (10). The length of the optical communication cable may be adjusted according to the distance by winding or unwinding the winding reel in accordance with the distance from the missile launcher (20). The missile launcher (20) may be equipped with a wired / wireless conversion device (29), and the optical communication cable may be connected to the wired / wireless conversion device (29). If the optical communication cable is detached from the wired / wireless conversion device (29) or is disconnected, the wired / wireless conversion device (29) may detect this and automatically switch to wireless communication.

[0034] In addition, the submarine (10) and the missile launcher (20) can be connected to each other through wireless communication. The submarine (10) and the missile launcher (20) can be connected to each other through wireless communication by using general underwater wireless communication technology or by floating a buoy equipped with a wireless communication module on the water surface. That is, buoys connected to each of the submarine (10) and the missile launcher (20) can be floated on the water surface, and communication can be established through wireless communication modules mounted on each buoy.

[0035] Wireless communication connections can be used in conjunction with wired communication, or can be switched to wireless communication in the event of a wired communication failure, such as a broken optical communication cable.

[0036] The basic structure of the submarine (10) can be applied as is to the known submarine structure, so a more detailed description thereof will be omitted for convenience.

[0037] At least one missile launcher (20), for example, four missile launchers (20), can be connected to one submarine (10). As described above, the missile launcher (20) can be connected to the submarine (10) via wired or wireless communication to transmit and receive information between the two.

[0038] The missile launcher (20) can operate by receiving a control signal from the submarine (10). The missile launcher (20) can be understood as an unmanned submarine. The missile launcher (20) can be controlled through the submarine (10).

[0039] A missile launch vehicle (20) may be configured to include a body (21), a moving propeller (22), a missile (23), and a direction control propeller (24).

[0040] The body (21) can form the overall skeleton of the missile launcher (20). At least one movable propeller (22) for underwater movement of the body (21) can be arranged on the body (21). The movable propeller (22) can be arranged at the rear end of the body (21) based on the movement direction of the body (21). Of course, it can be arranged at the side periphery of the body (21) rather than the rear end of the body (21), and it can be arranged at both the rear end of the body (21) and the side periphery of the body (21).

[0041] The movable propeller (22) can control the movement and direction of the missile launcher (20). The configuration of the movable propeller (22) can be configured in various ways.

[0042] A mobile propeller (22) may be configured as a rotary propeller for a submarine (10) or a missile launcher (20). This propeller rotates to move underwater, and the direction and speed of movement can be adjusted according to the rotation speed and direction.

[0043] The movable propeller (22) may be configured as a vertical thruster. The vertical thruster can control the up and down movement of the missile launcher on the water surface or assist in maintaining a stable position underwater.

[0044] In addition, the movable propeller (22) can control the direction of movement using thrust vector control, enabling precise control of the submarine (10) and missile launcher (20).

[0045] Additionally, the movable propeller (22) may support multidirectional movement. Such a propeller may enable both horizontal and vertical movement, thereby supporting free movement of the submarine (10) and missile launcher (20).

[0046] The mobile propeller (22) can be integrated with an automatic control system. The automatic control system can automatically perform movement and direction control using sensors and computer control.

[0047] The missile (23) can be placed inside the body (21) based on the direction of movement of the body (21). If there is one, it can be placed at the center of the inside of the body (21), and if there are multiple missiles, they can be placed at regular intervals based on the center of the inside. The missile (23) can be launched toward the front of the body (21). An automatic opening and closing means for opening and closing a missile launch tube (drawing number not shown) in which the missile (23) is placed can be placed at the front of the body (21) from which the missile (23) is launched. Although not shown, a drainage pump and a drainage duct for discharging the inflowing water to the outside and an opening and closing system for opening and closing the drainage duct can be connected to the missile launch tube.

[0048] The missile (23) itself can be deployed with various missiles applicable to the missile launch vehicle (20), and since the missile itself is not the core of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The directional control propellers (24) can be respectively positioned at the front and rear of the body (21) based on the direction of movement of the body (21). The directional control propellers (24) can control the arrangement direction of the body (21). For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when a missile (23) is launched toward the upper part of the water surface, the body (21) can be arranged in the up-and-down direction. At this time, the arrangement direction of the body (21) can be controlled by driving the directional control propellers (24) arranged at the upper and lower parts of the body (21). The directional control propellers (24) can be arranged in multiple directions, for example, can be arranged in each of the four directions of east, west, south, and north at the upper and lower parts of the body (21). The operation of each directional control propeller (24) can be individually controlled.

[0050] Through the propeller (24) for direction control, the body (21) can be positioned at a set angle in the up-down direction, for example, within 85 to 90 degrees.

[0051] In order to control the direction of the body (21), the body (21) may be equipped with a gyroscope attitude control panel (drawing number not indicated). The arrangement direction of the body (21), i.e., the arrangement angle, can be known through the gyroscope attitude control panel, and through this, the direction control propeller (24) can be controlled to control the arrangement direction of the body (21) at a set angle.

[0052] When launching a missile (23), it can be switched to the hot launching mode shown in FIG. 3 and the cold launching mode shown in FIG. 4.

[0053] In the above hot launch mode, the missile (23) can be launched with its own propulsion power, and in the above cold launch mode, the missile (23) can be launched with its own propulsion power while being thrown into the air by air pressure or gas pressure.

[0054] Accordingly, the missile launcher (20) can be switched to a hot launch mode in which the front of the body (21) is positioned above the water surface while the body (21) is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the directional control propeller (24) and the missile (23) is launched from above the water surface, or can be switched to a cold launch mode in which the front of the body (21) is positioned above the water surface or underwater while the body (21) is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the directional control propeller (24) and the missile (23) is launched.

[0055] In the above hot launch mode, a plurality of supports (25) coupled to the body (21) can operate. For example, the supports (25) can be arranged in each of the four directions of east, west, south, and north of the body (21). The supports (25) can be formed from the upper part of the outer circumference of the body (21) to the middle part, and the supports (25) arranged in the middle part can be coupled so as to be rotatable at 90-degree intervals. The rotational motion can be operated through a separate driving means (not shown), for example, a hydraulic cylinder, and when the upper part of the support (25) is coupled to the body (21) and is unfolded in a downward 90-degree direction during the hot launch mode, the lower surface of the support (25) can come into contact with the water surface. The support (25) serves as a support when the missile (23) is launched, and can generate a predetermined force corresponding to the instantaneous force (action-reaction force) generated downward on the missile launcher (20) when the missile (23) is launched.

[0056] Additionally, in the hot launch mode, a gas exhaust pipe (drawing number not shown) may be configured so that gas generated when launching a missile (23) is discharged to the outside of the body (21). The gas exhaust pipe may be automatically opened and closed.

[0057] The support (25) can be installed in the body (21), and the area of ​​the support (25) can be manufactured by taking into account the action and reaction force generated when launching the missile (23).

[0058] In addition, in the case of the sea where the missile (23) is launched, the position and arrangement of the missile launcher (20) may change due to the waves and the force of action and reaction generated when the missile (23) is launched. To minimize this, a plurality of attitude control propellers (26) may be additionally installed on the body (21).

[0059] The attitude control propellers (26) can be installed in four directions in the east, west, south, and north directions, and the attitude control propellers (26) can operate to maintain the missile launch vehicle (20), i.e., the body (21), in the set attitude. Each attitude control propeller (26) can operate individually, and can also operate to apply force in both directions, for example, in the up and down directions, through forward and reverse rotation.

[0060] Meanwhile, the body (21) may be connected to a circular housing (H) spaced apart from the outer circumference of the body (21) by a set distance, and a plurality of fixed angles (F) that connect and support the circular housing (H) and the body (21) together.

[0061] A tube (T) having an air inlet (A) and a water inlet (W) formed therein can be combined with a circular housing (H). The underwater height of the body (21) can be controlled by injecting air or water into the tube (T). That is, air can be injected into or discharged from the tube (T) through the air inlet (A) formed in the tube (T), and water can be injected into or discharged from the tube (T) through the water inlet (W). An automatic opening / closing means can be combined with the air inlet (A) and the water inlet (W) to automatically open and close them. The air inlet (A) can be connected to an air tank, for example, a nitrogen tank. When nitrogen is injected through the air inlet (A) while both the air inlet (A) and the water inlet (W) are open, the nitrogen fills the inside of the tube (T) and the water inside the tube (T) can be discharged through the water inlet (W) due to the pressure. When the inside of the tube (T) is filled with nitrogen, the air inlet (A) and the water inlet (W) can be closed. In this way, when the inside of the tube (T) is filled only with nitrogen, the missile launch vehicle (20) can move to the upper part of the water surface due to buoyancy. In this state, when only the water inlet (W) is opened, the nitrogen inside the tube (T) can escape and water can flow into the inside of the tube (T). Using this principle, the underwater height of the missile launch vehicle (20) can be controlled by adjusting the amounts of nitrogen and water inside the tube (T).

[0062] Accordingly, the movement, position and deployment attitude of the missile launch vehicle (20) can be controlled through the direction control propeller (24), attitude control propeller (26) and movement propeller (22), and the underwater height according to the hot launch mode and cold launch mode of the missile launch vehicle (20) can be controlled using the tube (T).

[0063] In addition, the movement and deployment attitude of the missile launcher (20) can be controlled and maintained by the force of action and reaction generated when launching the missile (23) through the support (25) and the attitude control propeller (26).

[0064] Meanwhile, the attitude control propeller (26) may be placed in a circular housing (H) and operated.

[0065] The missile launch vehicle (20) may further be equipped with at least one sensing means (27) for detecting the surrounding terrain and surrounding objects. For example, the missile launch vehicle (20) may be equipped with a sonar system that operates underwater. A sonar system is a technology that uses sound waves to detect the surrounding environment and objects underwater. Sonar can be used to determine the bottom shape of the surrounding terrain and to detect other objects or obstacles.

[0066] Additionally, radar systems can be used to detect surrounding objects and terrain while underwater. Radar uses radio waves to determine the location and distance of objects. Radar systems can operate in the air, on the surface, and underwater, making them suitable for use in a variety of environments.

[0067] Additionally, missile launchers can be equipped with cameras and video cameras to visually detect their surroundings. This visual information can be used to identify objects above or below the surface, terrain, and underwater life.

[0068] Additionally, a sensor network, i.e., a sensor network including various types of sensors, can be built on the missile launch vehicle (20). These sensors can collect, integrate, and analyze various information about the surrounding environment. The sensor network can include various types of sensors, such as sonar, radar, cameras, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and magnetic field sensors.

[0069] Additionally, the information collected by the data processing and analysis system, i.e., the sensing means (27), can be analyzed and interpreted through the data processing and analysis system. This allows for the identification of characteristics of the surrounding environment and the detection of surrounding objects. The data processing and analysis system can also be integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to perform intelligent detection and classification.

[0070] Of course, information acquired from multiple sensing means (27) deployed on a missile launcher (20) can be transmitted to the submarine (10) and processed and analyzed.

[0071] Additionally, at least one light lamp may be installed in the body (21) to assist in dark underwater photography.

[0072] It would be desirable to select and integrate appropriate sensing technology and equipment according to the environmental conditions and mission requirements in which the missile launch vehicle (20) is deployed as the sensing means (27).

[0073] The body (21) may further include a foldable transport means (28).

[0074] The foldable transport means (28) is stored in the body (21) and can be unfolded and brought into contact with the underwater surface when necessary. The foldable transport means (28) can be implemented through various components and mechanisms.

[0075] Although not illustrated in detail, the foldable transport means (28) may be composed of a frame and a joint attached to the body (21). The frame and joint are physically connected to a portion of the body (21) and can be unfolded when necessary to form the foldable transport means (28).

[0076] The joint is typically locked in the folded position, and when unlocked, the frame unfolds to extend the foldable transport means (28). This structure allows for contact with the ground and provides stability underwater.

[0077] The foldable transport means (28) may be constructed utilizing an inflatable air or pressure system built into the body (21). The system operates by utilizing air or pressure to transport objects from the body (21), i.e., by supplying air or pressure to inflate the foldable transport means (28) and, if necessary, by discharging it to contact the underwater surface.

[0078] Additionally, the folding transport means (28) may be configured as a folding device having a folding and rolling mechanism in the body (21). This mechanism may be designed to unfold when descending from the surface to underwater, and fold again when ascending from underwater to the surface.

[0079] The folding and rolling mechanism allows the folding transport means (28) to be controlled and operated in a simple and efficient manner.

[0080] The foldable transport means (28) may include a small motor and a motion control system attached to the body (21). The motor and control system can control and precisely manipulate the movement of the foldable transport means (28). It can be remotely controlled by a user or an automated system located on the submarine (10), and can perform folding and rolling operations of the foldable transport means (28) if necessary.

[0081] Meanwhile, although the drawing number is not indicated or illustrated or described in detail, the body (21) may further include components necessary for an unmanned submarine or missile launcher, such as horizontal rudders and rudders.

[0082] In addition, the body (21) may be equipped with a battery and generator system (drawing number not shown) for driving each of the aforementioned components. Each of the aforementioned components may be operated by receiving power from the battery and generator system equipped on the body (21).

[0083] The present invention described above can overcome the technical limitations of a submarine missile launch system and contribute to innovatively expanding the missile launch capability of a submarine.

[0084] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. Furthermore, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, imply that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0085] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. Submarines; and A submarine missile launch system including at least one missile launcher that is connected to the submarine via wired and wireless communication, transmits and receives information, and operates by receiving a control signal from the submarine.

2. In paragraph 1, The above missile launcher, body; At least one movable propeller arranged at the rear end of the body based on the direction of movement of the body; At least one missile positioned inside the body based on the direction of movement of the body and fired toward the front of the body; and A submarine missile launch system including a plurality of directional control propellers, each of which is positioned at the front and rear of the body based on the direction of movement of the body, and which controls the arrangement direction of the body.

3. In paragraph 2, The above missile launcher, The body is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the propeller for directional control, and the front of the body is positioned above the water surface to switch to a hot launch mode in which the missile is launched from the water surface, or A submarine missile launch system in which the body is positioned in the up-and-down direction through the above-mentioned directional control propeller and the front of the body is placed on the surface of the water or underwater to launch the missile, thereby switching to a cold launch mode.

4. In paragraph 3, A submarine missile launch system further comprising a plurality of supports that are coupled to the body so as to rotate 90 degrees and are supported on the water surface while rotating when switched to the hot launch mode.

5. In paragraph 3, In the above body, A submarine missile launch system including a plurality of attitude control propellers for controlling the arrangement attitude and position of the body when launching the missile in the hot launch mode and the cold launch mode.

6. In paragraph 5, In the above body, Additional tubes are provided for injecting air or water. A submarine missile launch system in which the underwater height of the body is controlled through the buoyancy of the tube as air or water is injected into the tube.

7. In paragraph 1, The above missile launcher includes: A submarine missile launch system further equipped with at least one sensing means for detecting surrounding terrain and surrounding objects.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above missile launcher includes: A submarine missile launch system further including a foldable transport means that is normally stored in a folded state and then unfolded to contact the underwater surface.

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