Bow mounted system and method for jet-propelling a submarine or torpedo through water
OwnerTerry B. Hillemaninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A jet propulsion system for a submersible vehicle, such as a submarine includes a propulsion unit mounted away from the stem of the submersible. Generally, the propulsion system consists of a set of blades secured to a hub within a shroud. Combining such a propulsion system with a surface texture treatment greatly reduces overall drag while improving the submersible's efficiency. Further, such an arrangement contributes to the submersibles stealthy characteristics. An additional hub and set of high-speed blades capable of generating a supercavity may be added to achieve supercavitation. The propulsion system can be varied to include a pumpjet and/or a centrifugal force blade system.
Claims15
A water propulsion system for a submersible vehicle including a body, bow and stern ends, and a power source, the propulsion system comprising:
- a pump jet including a plurality of blades secured to a hub, the blades extending from the hub to a secured position on a shroud, the pump jet being secured to the submersible at a location away from the stern.
A method for propelling an underwater vehicle, the method comprising:
- operating a power source within the underwater vehicle;
- rotating a plurality of blades operatively connected to a hub and to a shroud, the hub being located away from the stem end of the underwater vehicle, said hub being operatively connected to the power source;
- and
- pushing water with said blades into a nozzle for increased thrust.
A drag reducing coating for a submersible vehicle, the coating comprising:
- a plurality of anechoic tiles secured to submersible;
- and
- a variable surface texture applied to the tiles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.