Rollable mast for undersea vehicles

A rollable mast system configured for use in an undersea vehicle, the rollable mast system comprising:

• a mast comprising a bi-stable composite material configured to roll onto itself in a first state and to stiffen into an elongated stable shape in a second state, wherein the bi-stable composite material is more curved when in the second state than when in the first state;
• a spool configured to support at least a portion of the bi-stable composite material in its first state;
• a roller in contact with the bi-stable composite material and configured to pay out the bi-stable composite material from the spool in a direction away from a hull of the undersea vehicle;
• and
• an actuator configured to adjust a pressure of the roller on the bi-stable composite material;
• wherein the bi-stable composite material is in the first state as it passes from the spool to the roller, and the bi-stable composite material is in the second state after it passes the roller.

A method of providing a rollable mast onboard an undersea vehicle,

• the method comprising:
• actuating a roller in contact with a bi-stable composite material such that the bi-stable composite material is paid out and extends away from the undersea vehicle, wherein the bi-stable composite material is rolled onto itself in a first state prior to contact with the roller and is formed into an elongated, stiff second state after contact with the roller;
• actuating the roller such that the bi-stable composite material is retracted back into the undersea vehicle;
• and
• measuring a wetness of the bi-stable composite material using at least one wetness sensor.