Unmanned watercraft retrieval system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorFrancis M. Mulhern
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An underwater retrieval body connected at its forward bow end by a towing line to a retrieval ship, has attachment facilities at its opposite aft end for attachment thereof during underwater propulsion with an unmanned watercraft by engaging its projecting hook or reception of a projecting probe. During propulsion of the underwater retrieval body toward the unmanned watercraft, it is maneuvered into alignment therewith through steering rudder fins under control of a homing control system on the underwater retrieval body, in response to reception of tracking signals emitted from the unmanned watercraft.
Claims7
In combination with an unmanned watercraft and a retrieval ship, retrieval means for docking the unmanned watercraft onto the retrieval ship, comprising:
- an underwater propelled body;
- a tow line connecting said body to the retrieval ship;
- adjustable rudder means mounted on the underwater body for maneuvering thereof into alignment with the watercraft;
- and attachment means for attaching the unmanned watercraft to the underwater body in alignment therewith to enable said docking of the unmanned watercraft on the ship.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.