Non-lethal Naval Interdiction Weapon Using Guided Sea Anchor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-lethal naval vessel interdiction technologies are either unsuitable or prohibitively expensive for effectively addressing hostile actions from small vessels against larger ones, lacking a cost-effective solution for impeding or disabling without lethal force.

Innovation Solution

A non-lethal naval vessel interdiction system comprising a hydrodynamic hull with guidance, delivery, and deployment systems, capable of deploying a harpoon-tethered sea anchor, which slows down or incapacitates targets without lethal damage, utilizing a processor for hostile intent assessment and controlled payload deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If non-lethal weaponry such as water cannons or loud sound emission devices is used, then the risk of lethal force is reduced, but these weapons are insufficient for stopping or impeding hostile naval vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelethal forceVSAvoideffectiveness in stopping hostile vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical non-lethal weapons (water cannons, sound devices) with an electromechanical system that uses a guided projectile delivering a sea anchor payload. The delivery system employs electric motors, guidance sensors, and controlled deployment mechanisms to achieve effective interdiction without lethal force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of non-lethal weaponry by using a guided projectile that can be precisely directed at hostile vessels. The sea anchor payload creates significant hydrodynamic drag, changing the target vessel's speed and maneuverability parameters without causing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high-tech electromagnetic weaponry is used, then electronic systems in hostile vehicles can be disabled, but these weapons are prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to disable electronic systemsVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable guided projectile with a sea anchor payload that is relatively inexpensive compared to electromagnetic weaponry. The projectile is designed for single-use interdiction missions, sacrificing the weapon itself to achieve the tactical objective of impeding hostile vessels without requiring expensive reusable electromagnetic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If lethal force is used against small hostile vessels, then immediate threat neutralization is achieved, but the potential for asymmetric response and rule of engagement limitations restrict its use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreat neutralizationVSAvoidflexibility in response options

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides a dynamic, adjustable non-lethal interdiction capability that can be deployed according to the specific tactical situation and rules of engagement. The sea anchor payload creates variable drag forces that can slow or impede hostile vessels without causing damage, allowing commanders to respond proportionally to threats while maintaining flexibility in escalation options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides a cost-effective, non-lethal means to impede or incapacitate naval vessels, allowing for tactical use in situations where lethal force is not justified, effectively managing hostile interactions without causing harm to personnel or vessels.

Implementation Method 1

a hydrodynamic hull, guidance and delivery systems housed in the hydrodynamic hull with the delivery system being controllable by the guidance system to drive a naval vessel impeding payload toward a target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic forces: Drag

Implementation Method 2

a harpoon attachable to the target upon deployment thereof and an anchoring element coupled to the harpoon and configured to anchor the target with the harpoon attached thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical attachment: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

deploying a harpoon-tethered sea anchor, which slows down or incapacitates targets without lethal damage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic drag: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS11293731B2Non-lethal naval vessel interdiction weapon

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A non-lethal naval vessel interdiction weapon is provided. The non-lethal naval vessel interdiction weapon includes a hydrodynamic hull, guidance and delivery systems housed in the hydrodynamic hull with the delivery system being controllable by the guidance system to drive a naval vessel impeding payload toward a target and a deployment system. The deployment system is configured to prepare the hydrodynamic hull for payload deployment and to deploy the naval vessel impeding payload toward the target following hull preparation.