Towable submarine mast simulator
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorDuane M. Horton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A submarine mast simulator as part of a buoyant tow body having a hydrodynamically shaped shell. The mast simulator includes a rigid lower mast section and an inflatable upper mast section extendable from the tow body. A plurality of stabilizer fins extend radially from the tail of the tow body, the fins being actuated to cause the ascent and descent of the tow body. A pressure sensor is positioned on an outer surface of the tow body for detecting a depth of the tow body, and a motor with controller is housed within the tow body, the controller initiating extension of the mast simulator in response to a depth indication.
Claims11
A submarine mast simulator comprising:
- a tow body suitable for towing, said tow body including a nose and a tail;
- a mast including a rigid lower mast section mechanically attached to said tow body and an upper mast section extendable from said lower mast section;
- a motor with controller in mechanical connection with said mast for initiating the extension of said mast from said tow body;
- a pressure sensor in connection with said tow body, wherein said controller initiates the extension of said mast in response to a depth indication by said pressure sensor;
- and
- a gas source fluidly connected to said upper mast section, said gas source supplying a gas to inflate said upper mast section thereby extending said upper mast section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.