Modular underwater torpedo system
AssigneeWilcox Industries Corp.
InventorsJames W. Teetzel, David G. Kent, John P. Bousquet, Christopher Jay Palmer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torpedo apparatus comprises a propulsion module operable to propel the torpedo apparatus through water and a steering module operatively coupled to the propulsion module. The steering module including a plurality of fins which are controllable for controlling a direction of travel of the torpedo apparatus through water. A plurality of head modules are removably and interchangeably attachable to the torpedo apparatus, wherein each of the head modules houses at least one guidance assembly and at least one utility assembly. A power supply module is configured to provide power to the propulsion module, the steering module, and an attached one of the head modules.
Claims17
A torpedo apparatus, comprising:
- a propulsion module operable to propel the torpedo apparatus through water;
- a steering module operatively coupled to the propulsion module, the steering module including a plurality of fins which are controllable for controlling a direction of travel of the torpedo apparatus through water;
- a plurality of head modules removably and interchangeably attachable to the torpedo apparatus, wherein each of the head modules houses at least one guidance assembly and at least one utility assembly;
- and
- a power supply module configured to provide power to the propulsion module, the steering module, and an attached one of the head modules;
- wherein one of the head modules includes a utility assembly comprising:
- a housing enclosing a piston, the piston carrying an elongate charge of fuel/oxidizer mixture;
- a heat-producing component attached to the charge of a fuel/oxidizer mixture and configured to generate sufficient heat to initiate a fuel/oxidizer reaction upon impact with a vessel's hull;
- a plurality of legs, each of the legs having a proximal end hingedly attached to the piston and a distal end opposite the proximal end, each of the legs movable between a retracted position and an extended position;
- the distal end of each leg having a fastener element operable to attach to the vessel's hull upon impact with the vessel's hull;
- and
- a spring disposed within the housing for biasing the piston toward the vessel's hull upon impact with and attachment to the vessel's hull.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.