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 an underwater vehicle, such as a submarine or torpedo is disclosed. The propulsion system includes a plurality of blades secured to a hub, in the front, which is rotated by a shaft connected to an engine through a transmission. A shroud surrounds the plurality of blades, and in combination with the body of the underwater vehicle, forms a nozzle through which flow is accelerated. The shroud is secured to the body of the underwater vehicle through a plurality of vanes. An additional hub including an additional set of blades may be secured to the underwater vehicle for additional thrust. The second hub may be located within the shroud. The inlet to the shroud may be covered with a screen mesh.
Claims12
A propulsion system for a submarine including a body, bow and stem ends, and a power source, the propulsion system comprising:
- a first hub adapted for operative connection to a body and a power source, said first hub adaptable to be located away from the stem end of the submarine;
- a second hub;
- a first set of blades secured to the first hub which are capable of providing propulsion upon the rotation of the first hub;
- and
- a second set of blades secured to the second hub.
A torpedo having a bow-mounted propulsion system, the torpedo comprising:
- a body having a bow and a stem;
- a power source contained within the body;
- a driveshaft for rotating a first hub about an axis, the driveshaft operatively connecting the power source to the first hub located away from the stem;
- a plurality of blades secured to the first hub capable of providing propulsion upon the rotation of the first hub;
- a shroud having an inner diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the plurality of blades as secured to the first hub, said shroud and a portion of the body of the torpedo forming a nozzle;
- a plurality of vanes securing the shroud to the body of the underwater vehicle;
- and
- a second hub operatively connected to the power source;
- and
- a second set of blades connected to the second hub.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.