Rotatable Vertical Launch Tube for Stealthy Naval Countermeasures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional countermeasure systems on naval ships increase the radar cross-section and visual outline, compromising the stealthy profile of modern 'stealthy smart' combat ships, and occupy significant deck space, which is undesirable for low-profile, electromagnetic-spectrum-minimizing designs.
Innovation Solution
A countermeasure system featuring rotatable, vertically oriented launch tubes integrated with a servo motor and a 'tube-in-tube' design, allowing for the launch and deployment of expendable cartridges with precise control over time, altitude, attitude, and location, while minimizing visible and radar signatures, and utilizing a rotation inhibitor to prevent cartridge rotation during launch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional countermeasure systems (MK 36 launcher, trainable launchers) are mounted on the ship's main deck, then countermeasure deployment capability is provided, but radar cross-section and visual outline increase, compromising stealth profile
Solution Approach 1:
The launch tubes are oriented vertically rather than at fixed angles (45 degrees and 60 degrees) or protruding above deck, changing the dimensional orientation from horizontal/angled to vertical. This allows the countermeasure system to be integrated within the ship's superstructure without increasing radar cross-section or visual outline, while still providing full countermeasure deployment capability in all azimuth directions through rotation of the vertical launch tubes.
2Reliability
If multiple launchers are positioned at plurality of locations on main deck, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but significant deck space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
Each vertical launch tube is designed to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis, enabling a single launcher location to provide comprehensive coverage in all azimuth directions. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for multiple fixed launchers positioned at different deck locations, significantly reducing the area occupied while maintaining or improving coverage effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If trainable launchers protrude above deck further than MK 36, then enhanced tracking capability is provided, but even less stealthy profile and more deck space consumption result
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical launch tubes are equipped with rotation capability about their longitudinal axes, providing dynamic repositioning in the azimuth direction. This dynamic adjustment replaces the need for trainable launchers that protrude above deck, enabling full 360-degree coverage while maintaining a low-profile vertical orientation that preserves the ship's stealth characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a countermeasure system having a substantially vertical launch tube that is at least generally rotatable about a vertical reference axis that extends through and along a length of the launch tube. This rotation capability of the launch tube may be used to affect an aiming of an associated countermeasure cartridge at least generally disposed therein. One or both the launch tube and countermeasure cartridge of this countermeasure system are generally equipped with a rotation inhibitor for substantially preventing independent rotation of the countermeasure cartridge relative to the launch tube at least when the countermeasure cartridge is disposed within the launch tube. The present invention is also designed to enable the associated countermeasure cartridge to be pitched over to a predetermined pitch angle (relative to the reference axis of the launch tube) to affect a desired flight path after launch of the countermeasure cartridge.