Patent ID: 6498767
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: B63B,F41G,F42B

Abstract:
A sonar bouy deployment system comprising:a pilotless aircraft having subminition compartments therein: a sonar buoy positionable in one said submunition compartment of said pilotless aircraft and deployable from said subminition compartment, said sonar buoy comprising: a flotation means for keeping said sonar buoy afloat while deployed in an aquatic environment; a hydrophone positionable for collecting information in said aquatic environment; a communication means joined to said hydrophone and said flotation means for transmitting collected information; releasable means for attaching said sonar buoy to said pilotless aircraft; and a separable tether joined between said pilotless aircraft and said sonar buoy, said tether separating when being subjected to tension after deployment of said sonar buoy.