Submarine Mast UAV Launch via Pneumatic Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine-based UAV launch systems either require the submarine to surface, compromising stealth, or are complex and expensive, with fragile kinematic mechanisms and radar detectability issues.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic/fuel-driven combined launching system housed in a tubular body within a submarine mast, using compressed air for initial ejection and a solid-propellant unit for additional thrust after ejection, allowing launch at periscope depth with reduced stress on the submarine and aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a horizontal catapult launch system is used, then the aircraft can be launched with simple mechanics, but the submarine must rise above the surface to a considerable extent and the system is easy to locate by radar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the horizontal catapult mechanism with a vertical pneumatic launch system. Compressed air is stored in a chamber and rapidly released to propel the aircraft vertically through a guide tube, eliminating the need for complex kinematic extraction mechanisms and horizontal positioning requirements. This substitution maintains launch capability while enabling the submarine to remain submerged at periscope depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the launch direction from horizontal to vertical. By launching the aircraft upward through a vertical guide tube rather than horizontally from a catapult, the system eliminates the need for the submarine to surface or position itself horizontally clear of waves. The vertical dimension provides a clear launch path that does not compromise submarine stealth or require complex positioning mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If numerous kinematic mechanisms are used for extracting the catapult, then the launching configuration can be achieved, but the launching mechanism becomes fragile and relatively unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex kinematic extraction mechanisms from the launch system. Instead of using multiple moving parts to position and launch the aircraft, the design employs a fixed vertical guide tube with a pneumatic propulsion system. The aircraft is simply placed in the tube and launched by compressed air, removing fragile mechanical components while maintaining the ability to achieve launch configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pneumatic system with a compressed air chamber and valve to propel the aircraft vertically. This pneumatic mechanism replaces numerous kinematic mechanical components with a simple pressure-driven system. The compressed air is stored in a chamber and rapidly released through a valve to provide the propulsive force, eliminating fragile mechanical linkages while reliably achieving the launching configuration.
3Reliability
If an underwater capsule with rotating mechanisms is used, then the submarine can remain fully submerged, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fixed vertical guide tube integrated into the submarine's mast structure, eliminating the need for a separate rotating capsule system. The guide tube remains stationary and vertically oriented, providing a ready-to-use launch path. This self-service design eliminates complex rotation mechanisms, ballast systems, and capsule assembly/disassembly requirements while maintaining the submarine's ability to remain fully submerged during launch operations.
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
Enables stealthy, efficient, and reliable UAV launch at high altitude without excessive stress on the submarine or aircraft, with a compact and simple construction design.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic ejection device connected to said tubular body and designed to feed a predetermined amount of air under pressure into said tubular body in order to push said projectile out of said ejector mouth until reaching a first height
Implementation Method 2
solid-propellant propulsion unit connected to said projectile, during said launching, and designed to be activated when said projectile is outside said tubular body in order to push said projectile to a second height greater than said first height
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for launching a remotely piloted aircraft (50) from a submarine (100) comprises a tubular body (2) insertable into a mast (103) of the submarine (100), extending along a respective principal direction (C) and defining an ejector mouth (3) for the remotely piloted aircraft (50), a projectile (10) housed in the tubular body (2) and comprising the remotely piloted aircraft (50) and launching means (4) by which the projectile (10) is propelled into the air from the mast (103) of the submarine (100). The launching means (4) comprise a pneumatic ejection device (5) connected to the tubular body (2) and configured to push the projectile (10) out of the ejector mouth (3) until reaching a first height (Ql) and a fuel-driven propulsion unit (11) connected to the projectile (10), during launching, and designed to be activated when the projectile (10) is outside the tubular body (2) to propel it to a second height (Q2) greater than the first height (Ql).