Submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a submersible-kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system that can be remotely controlled, has autonomous navigation capability in the maritime environment including the surface and underwater, capable of creating surprise attack effect on the opponent with its underwater navigation capability, can detonate an onboard high explosive charge on the target by hitting the target with high speeds in a controlled manner.

Description

[0001] SUBMERSIBLE KAMIKAZE UNMANNED SURFACE VEHICLE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a submersible-kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system that can be remotely controlled, has autonomous navigation capability in the maritime environment including the surface and underwater, capable of creating surprise attack effect on the opponent with its underwater navigation capability, can detonate an onboard high explosive charge on the target by hitting the target with high speeds in a controlled manner.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] The kamikaze unmanned surface vehicles used in current applications do not have the capability to operate underwater. Since the need for high speed on the surface is not compatible with the movement dynamics underwater, no such design has been encountered. Communication limitations underwater constitute an important constraint in this regard. The inability to use the underwater domain creates a negative impact in terms of detectability and exposure to weapon intervention. In addition, the existing high-speed kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicles are operated remotely rather than autonomously. This causes control difficulties due to the time delay in communication, considering that the target is also mobile.

[0006] The document numbered US2022340246A1 discloses a maritime vehicle for underwater targets. The vehicle contains a cavity explosive for the destruction of the target. It is also stated that the vehicle can be a remote-controlled or autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle. The document numbered JP5288467B2 discloses an unmanned underwater vehicle. The vehicle can be automatically guided to the target and detonated with a predefined signal.

[0007] The document numbered US2021331774A1 discloses a smart torpedo. The torpedo can attack the target vehicle autonomously. It is also indicated that the navigation system may include inertial measurement units.

[0008] The document numbered DE4323904A1 discloses an unmanned underwater vehicle for the destruction of underwater mines. The vehicle is capable of autonomously detecting mines and destroying them by striking the detected mine. It is stated that thanks to a reference broadcast, there is no need for inertial tracking of the vehicle position.

[0009] When the applications in the state of the art are examined, the need has arisen for the realization of a submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system capable of autonomous navigation in the maritime environment, including the surface and underwater, capable of diving and creating a surprise effect on the adversary with its underwater navigation capability, capable of detonating a high explosive charge on the target by impacting the target at high speed on the surface in a controlled manner, and is capable of submerging.

[0010] Objects of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to realize a kamikaze unmanned maritime vehicle capable of submerged operation.

[0012] The invention will be used in the field of defence industry. The system is a submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system that can be remotely controlled, has autonomous navigation capability in the maritime environments including the surface and underwater, can surprise the opponent with its underwater navigation capability by diving, can detonate a high explosive charge it carries on the target in a controlled manner by impacting the target at high speed on the surface, and is capable of submerging.

[0013] The high-speed submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system, which has the integration capability with network-supported capabilities, data link systems, recognised maritime picture systems and interoperable with other unmanned and autonomous platforms, will be able to precisely directed to the target, with a low sensitivity against electronic counter measures as well as artillery effects and effectively perform targeting and engagement management.

[0014] In addition to the aforementioned capabilities, the platform's ability to autonomously maintain its position in a submerged situation and to navigate autonomously underwater will provide the system with a significant deterrence effect with the contribution of issues such as concealment, surprise attack effect, and psychological pressure on the adversary.

[0015] Thanks to its diving capability, the system according to the invention will be more advantageous against armed interventions by reducing the probability of being detected. Autonomous navigation and mission management during diving will eliminate the negative effects of underwater communication difficulties. Thus, considering concealment effect, surprise attack effect and psychological pressure on the adversary, it will create an important multiplier effect in terms of deterrence.

[0016] The system, whose surface navigation and mission management will also be managed autonomously, will be able to meet the target in a stable and fast manner without being adversely affected by factors such as remote control and time delays.

[0017] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0018] The unmanned maritime vehicle realized to achieve the object of this invention is shown in the attached figure. This figure is;

[0019] Figure 1: Schematic view of the maritime vehicle according to the invention.

[0020] The parts in the figures are numbered individually and the corresponding descriptions are given below.

[0021] 1. Maritime vehicle

[0022] 2. Warhead and fuse assembly

[0023] 3. Fin

[0024] 4. Battery group

[0025] 5. Ballast tank

[0026] 6. Main engine and surface propulsion group

[0027] 7. Electric engine

[0028] 8. Underwater propulsion unit

[0029] The maritime vehicle (1) according to the invention comprises,

[0030] A warhead and fuse assembly (2) positioned on the vehicle,

[0031] - Fins (3) positioned on the sides of the vehicle at the front and rear of the vehicle,

[0032] A battery pack (4) positioned on the vehicle,

[0033] - Ballast tanks positioned at the sides and rear of the vehicle (5),

[0034] A main engine and surface propulsion group (6) positioned behind the battery group (4),

[0035] An electric engine (7) positioned on the vehicle,

[0036] An underwater propulsion unit (8) connected to the electric engines (7).

[0037] The design of the maritime vehicle (1) is basically adapted for effective navigation above water. When afloat, steering is performed by changing the direction of the surface propulsion unit directly by means of the main engine and surface propulsion group (6). On-water command and control functions can be performed remotely using a mobile shore control center and communication systems on the platform, or “autonomously” in accordance with the instructions in the tasking orders sent via command and control and software components. Surface navigation autonomy is supported by on-board platform sensors and tactical sensors.

[0038] The underwater navigation capability is not aiming to engage to underwater targets. Underwater navigation is designed for concealment, creating surprise attack effect on the adversary. The main function of the platform is surface navigation, while the ability to use underwater has been developed as a distinctive feature. The platform will be able to autonomously dive underwater, maintain a stable position underwater, navigate autonomously by determining a route at low speed in accordance with the tasking order issued to it on the surface, and when it reaches the area of target, it will be able to autonomously ascend to the surface according to the time and position in the latest issued order.

[0039] The platform will mainly use the INS system for autonomous underwater navigation, and will be able to use the platform sensors and underwater maps, if available, as support.

[0040] A fin (3) system separate from the main engine and surface propulsion system (6) will be used for underwater navigation. This system consists of electric engines (7) powered by the battery pack (4) and underwater propulsion units (8) powered by these engines. Diving and surfacing activities will be carried out by taking water into the ballast tanks (5) through valves or by expelling water from the tanks. Diving, maintaining position, underwater navigation and surfacing are carried out by means of autonomous control of the above mentioned components / actuation points and fins (3).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A submersible kamikaze unmanned surface vehicle system that can be remotely controlled, has autonomous navigation capability in the maritime environment including the surface and underwater, capable of creating surprise attack effect on the opponent with its underwater navigation capability, can detonate an onboard high explosive charge on the target by hitting the target with high speeds in a controlled manner, characterized by comprising,A warhead and fuse assembly (2) positioned on the vehicle,- Fins (3) positioned on the sides of the vehicle at the front and rear of the vehicle,A battery pack (4) positioned on the vehicle,- Ballast tanks positioned at the sides and rear of the vehicle (5),A main engine and surface propulsion group (6) positioned behind the battery group (4),An electric engine (7) positioned on the vehicle,An underwater propulsion unit (8) connected to the electric engine (7).

2. An unmanned maritime vehicle (1) according to claim 1 characterized by comprising valves for admitting water into the ballast tanks (5) or expelling water from the ballast tanks (5).

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