Electrically pressurized torpedo launch system

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a payload launch system. It also relates to a marine vessel incorporating such a payload launch system. The payload may, for example, be a torpedo.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, with respect to the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 shows the layout of a conventional ATP Torpedo Launching System, and has already been discussed;

#FIG. 2 shows the layout of an electrically driven Torpedo Launching System, being a first embodiment of the present invention; and

#FIG. 1 has already been discussed in relation to existing torpedo launching systems. FIG. 2, which represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention, retains the numbering system of FIG. 1. In the embodiments described herein the arrangement of the outer casing, pressure hull and torpedo tube remains unchanged from existing systems, and will not be described again. The same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts.

#In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a high torque electric motor unit (21) replaces the air turbine (16) present in existing ATP systems, and is similarly connected to a reduction gearbox and an impeller. The pressurised air container, programmable firing valve and control loop of existing torpedo launch systems are not present in this embodiment. The electric motor unit is powered from the submarine's main electrical supply (22). A motor controller (23), located in the inner chamber, regulates the current/voltage profile of the electrical supply to the motor. An operating console (15), also located in the inner chamber, facilitates the operation of the electric motor unit by transmitting electrical signals to the motor controller.

#In the first embodiment of the present invention, the impulse tank (7) is installed within the outer chamber and is stood off from the pressure hull (4). The electric motor unit (21), a reduction gearbox (17) and an impeller (19) are mounted inside the outer chamber (6) and within the impulse tank (7). In this embodiment, the electric motor, reduction gearbox and impeller are mounted at an attitude such that the intake face of the impeller faces the water inlet orifice (3) in the outer casing of the submarine. Note that, by suitable selection of the speed of the motor unit (21) it may be possible to omit the reduction gearbox (17) and connect the impeller (19) directly to the motor unit (21). The motor controller (23) communicates electrically with the electric motor unit via power and sensor cables (30), which pass from the motor controller through the front bulkhead of the pressure hull in a cable gland (24) and continue through the aft wall of the impulse tank, into the interior of the impulse tank where they are connected to the electric motor unit. A straight water inlet tube (20) joins the intake face of the impeller tank to the water inlet orifice (3).