Device and method for launching an underwater projectile from a watercraft
AssigneesAtlas Elektronik GmbH, thyssenkrupp AG
InventorKnud Lämmle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A launching device and associated methods can be utilized to launch an underwater running body from a platform such as a watercraft. The launching device may include a ramp, which extends along a longitudinal ramp axis, and a propellant deflection unit. The ramp may enclose an underwater running body with a propulsion unit underwater. The launching device may activate the propulsion unit, which then emits a propellant. The propellant deflection unit deflects the emitted propellant into an outlet direction. This outlet direction of the propellant may be directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.
Claims21
A device for facilitating launching of a first underwater running body from a platform, with the first underwater running body including a first propulsion unit configured to emit a propellant, the device comprising:
- a first ramp that extends along a first longitudinal ramp axis, wherein the first ramp is configured to enclose and hold the first underwater running body underwater and to guide the first underwater running body during launch based on an orientation of the first longitudinal ramp axis;
- a first canister configured to be fitted into the first ramp and that stores the first underwater running body in a fluidtight manner, the first canister having a front membrane that cooperates to close the first canister with inert fluid around the first underwater running body;
- and
- a propellant deflection unit,
- wherein the device is configured to activate the first propulsion unit or permit activation of the first propulsion unit while the first underwater running body is enclosed and held in the first ramp underwater,
- wherein the first ramp is configured to direct the propellant emitted by the first propulsion unit to the propellant deflection unit,
- wherein the propellant deflection unit is configured to divert the propellant emitted by the first propulsion unit into an outlet direction, which is directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.
A method for launching a first underwater running body from a platform, wherein the first underwater running body comprises a propulsion unit, wherein a device with a first ramp that extends along a first longitudinal ramp axis is used to facilitate launching, the method comprising:
- enclosing and holding the first underwater running body underwater, the enclosing comprising locating a first canister into the first ramp, the first canister storing the first underwater running body in a fluidtight manner, the first canister having a front membrane that cooperates to close the first canister with inert fluid around the first underwater running body;
- activating the propulsion unit while the first underwater running body is enclosed in and held underwater by the first ramp;
- emitting a propellant from the propulsion unit that has been activated;
- guiding the first underwater running body with the first ramp during launch of the first underwater running body based on an orientation of the first longitudinal ramp axis;
- directing the propellant emitted by the propulsion unit with the first ramp to a propellant deflection unit;
- and
- diverting the emitted propellant with the propellant deflection unit into an outlet direction, which is directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.