Deep ocean recoverable acoustic sensor vehicle

Abstract

A deep ocean recoverable, tethered acoustic sensor system launchable from aircraft or ship. Upon water entry, the system separates into an upper flotation module containing a receiver/transmitter, antenna and inflatable bag, and a lower flotation module containing an expandable hydrophone array, transmission cable, flotation chamber, cable disconnect means, radio transmitter and antenna, and a flashing beacon light. The lower flotation module also includes a releasable anchor assembly containing a tethering cable. Recovery of the lower flotation module is accomplished by actuation of the cable disconnect means either by a preset timer means contained within the flotation module or by remote electrical command; upon cable disconnect, the anchor assembly and upper flotation module are discarded, and the lower flotation module floats to the surface for recovery. Upon surfacing a transmitter housed within the lower flotation module begins transmitting a signal beacon through an antenna, and a flashing beacon light actuates to aid in the recovery of the module by helicopter.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.