External payload module for an autonomous underwater vehicle
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsRussell M. SYLVIA, Martin C. LEWIS, Robert P. GORDON, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An external payload module or body that is mechanically attached to the exterior of a standard production AUV. The module expands the applications for which the AUV can be utilized and/or enhances an existing application(s), enabling current single or limited use AUV's to have multi-mission capability or enhancing existing capability without requiring complete redesign of the AUV. This approach capitalizes on the advantages of high-volume small AUV production to maintain low manufacturing and handling costs, while enabling greatly improved AUV mission flexibility.
Claims17
A system comprising:
- an autonomous underwater vehicle that includes a front end, a rear end, and a propulsion mechanism;
- and
- an external payload module that is detachably mechanically connected to the autonomous underwater vehicle, the external payload module includes at least one payload system that is configured to enhance or expand the capability of the autonomous underwater vehicle, and one or more steerable control surfaces;
- and the external payload module does not include a propulsion mechanism.
A payload module that is mechanically connectable to an autonomous underwater vehicle that includes a front end, a rear end, and a propulsion mechanism, comprising:
- at least one payload system that is configured to enhance or expand the capability of the autonomous underwater vehicle when the payload module is connected thereof, and one or more steerable control surfaces;
- and the payload module does not include a propulsion mechanism.
A method of expanding the capability of an autonomous underwater vehicle that includes a front end, a rear end, and a propulsion mechanism, comprising:
- detachably mechanically connecting a first external payload module to the autonomous underwater vehicle;
- the first external payload module includes at least one payload system that is configured to enhance or expand the capability of the autonomous underwater vehicle, and one or more steerable control surfaces;
- and the first external payload module does not include a propulsion mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.