In-flight hydrophone deployment system for underwater vehicles

Abstract

A hydrophone deployment apparatus is provided for an underwater vehicle, rein the apparatus includes an annular drum releasably mounted about the tail portion of the vehicle. A plurality of arms are pivotally connected to the aft portion of the drum and are capable of swinging from forward positions flush with the vehicle to aft positions behind the drum. A device is provided for enabling retention and selective releasing of the arms from the forward flush positions. A hydrophone is releasably mounted on the inside of one of the arms, and a cable is connected between the hydrophone and the vehicle with an intermediate portion wound on the drum. With this arrangement a release of the arms during travel of the vehicle will cause the drum to be released and the vehicle will swim away from the drum pulling the cable until it is completely off the drum, at which time the hydrophone is pulled from its mounting in the arm. At this time the drum is jettisoned and the hydrophone becomes operational.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.