Submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorSteven P. Bourlett
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle comprises an elongated genery cylindrically-shaped body. Tail fins are stored in the body and are self-deployable to extend outwardly from the body. A booster motor is fixed to an aft end of the body and is self-releasable from the body. A propeller is disposed at the aft end of the body and is self-deployable to an exposed position at the aft end of the body after release of the booster motor. A propulsion motor is mounted in the body and is operative to drive the propeller. Rotors are stored in the body and are self-deployable to an exposed position wherein the rotors provide lift to the vehicle.
Claims12
A submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle, said vehicle comprising:
- an elongated generally cylindrically-shaped body;
- tail fins stored in said body and self-deployable to extend outwardly from said body;
- a booster motor fixed to an aft end of said body and self-releasable from said body;
- a propeller disposed between said booster motor and said aft end of said body and self-deployable upon loss of said booster motor to an exposed position at said aft end of said body;
- a propulsion motor mounted in said body and operative to drive said propeller;
- and
- rotor means stored in said body and self-deployable to an exposed position wherein said rotor means provide lift to said vehicle.
A submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle, said vehicle comprising:
- a body having a forwared end, an aft end, an elongated generally cylindrical shape and a pocket formed in an upper surface thereof;
- tail fins means stored in said body and self deployable to extend outwardly from said body, said tail fins having rotational actuators in said body to rotate said tail fins to aid in maneuvering said vehicle;
- a booster motor fixed to said body aft end and self-releasable from said body;
- a propeller disposed between said booster motor at said body aft end, said propeller being self-deployable to an exposed position at said body aft end upon release of said booster motor;
- a propulsion motor mounted in said body and joined to drive said propeller;
- a rotor means having rotor blades joined to a shaft stored in said body pocket, said rotor means being deployable to an exposed position wherein said rotor blades rotate and provide lift to said vehicle;
- and
- a rotor means actuator joined in said body to said rotor means for deploying said rotor means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.