Submarine short-range defense system

Disclosed is a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing configured to telescope vertically from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes surveillance, command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid. The projectile in use with the launch system can support surveillance and communications operations.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to submarines and more particularly to a launch system utilized with a submarine.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

Presently, modern submarines are designed to engage targets with devastating force. Submarine-launched torpedoes can seek and destroy other submarines and large surface ships at varying and long ranges. Furthermore, missiles fired from submarines can attack land targets hundreds of miles from the launch position of the missiles. Generally, both the offensive and defensive capabilities of submarines are formidable. However, shortfalls exist in the defensive capabilities of the submarine.

A submerged submarine is vulnerable to attack from directly above, particularly by airborne weapons launched at short range. If an enemy aircraft, or even a small surface craft, can establish its position over a submarine, there is no present defensive capability on the submarine to counter such a threat of attack. This vulnerability to attack is more present in that submarine operations often require that the submarine be brought to periscope depth; that is near but just below the surface. This vulnerability to attack is further present when a submarine is traveling on the surface, and when the submarine is moored at a pier in port.

One reason that a defensive vulnerability continues is that it is difficult to con FIG. a launch system that can successfully launch small defensive weapons, such as anti-air missiles, vertically, and in a simple manner, from a submerged submarine.

Proposed concepts for short-range defense of submarines have included mounting anti-aircraft weapons in the “sail” of a submarine, from which the weapons would be projected upward to the ocean surface. However, there are notable difficulties and disadvantages to such a proposed concept of defense. First, a substantial volume of space would be needed in the sail to accommodate a magazine for some number of weapons considered adequate for defense.

Second, missiles would have to be launched through a water column to the surface, before the missiles could function as airborne devices. While the missile-launching process is accomplished successfully when launching large tactical missiles from torpedo tubes and hull launchers, it would be difficult to launch small devices in the same manner of launch. This manner of launch requires large forces and complex mechanisms to deploy torpedo size missiles from traditional submarine launchers. It is therefore an engineering challenge to con FIG. a comparable capability for relatively small anti-aircraft weapons stored in the confined space that might be made available in the “sail” structure.

A third problem with sail-mounted launch systems is that sail mounted weapons would have to be specially made to endure the conditions of external underwater storage and/or ejection through the water to the surface.

As a result, a short range defensive weapon system for submarines is needed. It should be an objective of the launch system to store small anti-air weapons inside the hull of a submarine, and launch them into the air space above the submarine while the submarine remains submerged at periscope depth. It should also be an objective of the launch system to launch such weapons while the submarine is on the surface. The proposed system described in this disclosure would accomplish those objectives and would offer other significant features that are currently unavailable to submarines, such as deployment of anti-missile decoy countermeasures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a therefore a general purpose and object of the present invention to provide the capability to store small anti-air weapons inside the hull of a submarine, and launch the anti-air weapons into the air space above the submarine while the submarine remains submerged at periscope depth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the capability to store small anti-air weapons inside the hull of a submarine, and launch the anti-air weapons into the air space above the submarine while the submarine is on the surface.

These objects are accomplished with the present invention by providing a launch system of an affixed lower section of launch tubing and an upper section of launch tubing con FIG. d for extension from a stowed position within the hull of a submarine to a position just above the ocean surface for a launch operation of a projectile, with the upper section returning to a stowed position after the launch operation. The launch system is capable of launching a projectile to engage air contacts by the discharge of high pressure fluid air, preferably high pressure air, through the length of the upper and lower sections to impact the projectile for launch. The launch system includes command and control elements as well as operational connection to additional projectile stowage and a supply of high pressure fluid air.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The defense system embodied by the present invention adapts the principle of a “pneumatic gun” for launching a variety of small devices, including anti-air missiles, from within a submerged submarine into the air space above the submarine while the submarine remains at periscope depth. It is proposed that telescoping tubular sections be mounted in a vertical position in a submarine for the purpose of launching the devices.

The tubular sections would be comparable in size to that of a periscope, and would function similarly, in that the sections could be raised and lowered, extending an upper end to a position just above the ocean surface, and returning to a stowed position where the sections are housed within the hull and the “sail” of the vessel. The sections would constitute the barrel of a gun that is discharged by passing a charge of high pressure air through its length.FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate the concept.

The launch system10shown inFIG. 1of the present invention shown inFIG. 2as generally composed of two sections, shown inFIG. 2. A lower section12is structurally affixed to a submarine50or similar vessel, while an upper section14is capable of telescoping, up and down from the lower section, so that an upper end16of the upper section can be extended in direction “A” to a surface60of the ocean when the submarine is at periscope depth. More specifically, the movable, upper section14as a launch tube, telescopes from the fixed, lower section12or launch tube, the upper section being of slightly larger diameter so as to surround the lower section, sliding against it in close contact.

The lower section12is fluidly connected to a pressurized flask18of air to provide a charge of air or similarly compressible fluid through the launch system10when a release valve19is actuated by an operator or by automated sequence. Preferably, the flask18is fluidly connected to a supply20of shipboard high pressure air or reservoir of pressurized fluid so that the flask can be recharged after each launch or else when otherwise needed by an operation of control valve21.

For use in the submarine50, the length of the fixed section12preferably terminates at a position a short distance above an upper platform deck52of the submarine. As shown inFIG. 3, when the movable, upper section14is raised to an extended position, the lower section12and upper section remain in telescoping contact by a short distance, typically about two to three feet.

Near a lower end of the upper section14, a loading port22is provided as an aperture in the wall24of the upper section. The loading port22allows admission of projectiles70for projection through the launch system10. When the upper section14is extended to the surface60, the loading port22is positioned at a height above the upper platform deck52that will allow convenient access by shipboard personnel.

Surrounding the upper section14at the loading port22is a sleeve26that rotates about the upper section. An aperture28is provided in the sleeve26that is identical in size and shape to the loading port22. When the sleeve26is turned so that the aperture28and the loading port22are aligned, access is provided to the interior of the upper section14for insertion of the projectile70, such as a missile or other device intended for projection.

After the projectile70is loaded into the upper section14, the sleeve26can be rotated so that the sleeve covers and closes the loading port22. Preferably, a clamping fixture (not shown) secures the sleeve26in the closed position, thereby sealing the projectile70within the upper section14.

When the projectile70is inserted into the upper section14, it is rested on a grating30or other fitting that prevents the projectile from falling down the upper and lower sections, but allows acceptable passage of an air charge that is applied beneath the device to be launched.

Referring again toFIG. 1, a missile magazine54is located near the launch system10for ready and operational access to the projectiles70that are to be launched. The missile magazine54is shown onFIG. 1to emphasize that the projectiles70launched by the launch system10are kept in a dry, benign environment, within the hull of the submarine50, until intended for deployment. As such, the projectile70does not need to be hardened for outboard storage, and the projectiles do not need to be specially configured to endure transit through the ocean. This is a feature and advantage of the present invention.

FIG. 1also depicts a control panel56as part of the launch system10. The control panel56is operatively connected to raise and to lower the upper section14, through mechanisms similar to that used for periscopes, and to operatively control pressurization of the air flask18and to operatively control the launch actuation release valve19.

Control of the launch system10may be implemented as a stand alone capability, or it can be integrated with other systems that exist on the submarine50.FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate that at the upper end16of the upper section14, a conical-shaped protrusion32surrounds the upper end or “muzzle” of the launch system10.

As shown inFIG. 4, conical-shaped protrusion32houses the sensor part of the launch system10. The conical-shaped protrusion32includes a domed surface34covered with photonic elements, similar to those used in advanced periscope technology. When the upper section14is extended to the surface60, an array36of photonic elements, arranged about the end of the upper section, will be exposed to scan the air space above and around the submarine50. The output signals from the array36are sent through conductors embedded in the launch system10and monitored within the submarine50, preferably at independent equipment configured for control of the launch system or at consoles of the combat system of the submarine. If an object, such as an aircraft, is detected, a command decision will determine whether to engage the target by means of the projectile70(such as a short range weapon) launched from the launch system10.

The exact shape and configuration of the photonic elements of the array36is a detail of implementation. However, it is envisioned that the upper end16of the upper section14would be surrounded by a structure that can accommodate target sensors and a mechanism for controlling a muzzle plug or cover37that will seal the launch system10from sea water entry. The muzzle cover37would serve to seal the upper section14in a manner similar to the “muzzle door” of a torpedo tube. Normally closed, the muzzle cover37would be designed to open momentarily during the process of launching the projectile70from the launch system10, that action being timed and controlled by the control panel56or system firing circuit. Power to the muzzle cover37and to the array36at the upper end16is provided through conductors embedded in the wall24of the upper section14.

Operation of the launch system10is described by the following typical sequence of events, where a hostile aircraft might be engaged using a small, heat-seeking missile. During normal operations of the submarine50, the upper section14of the launch system10remains in its lowered, stowed position, the conical-shaped protrusion32and the array36being housed in the sail of the submarine, in a manner similar to that of other masts and devices located in the sail.

When “periscope depth” operations are anticipated, the launch system10is prepared for use. The flask18is charged with high pressure air, and an operator monitors sensor inputs at a remote display console. Another individual prepares the projectile70, or other payload, for use.

The upper section14is extended to the surface and the system console operator monitors the air space above and around the submarine50. The loading port22is now at a location above the upper platform deck52, readily accessible for loading the projectile70. If a hostile contact is observed in the vicinity, engagement may be ordered with the projectile70.

If so, the projectile70is inserted into the upper section14through the loading port22. The sleeve26is rotated and clamped to secure the projectile70within the upper section14and to ensure an air tight enclosure.

Upon initiation of the firing sequence, the muzzle cover37opens rapidly, immediately followed by actuation of the release valve19to release high pressure air or gas to the lower section12of the launch system10.

The projectile70is discharged from the upper section14of the launch system10. Near the open end of the upper section14, a protruding “trigger-mechanism” on the inside wall strikes the projectile70as it passes. This “triggering” initiates the ignition process of the projectile70, if the projectile is a missile, so that the projectile is able to continue in flight on its own power after it has been blown clear of the surface60. The muzzle cover37then closes.

Within the submarine50, the flask18is re-charged with high pressure air from the supply20, by actuation of valve21to be ready for further use.

When periscope depth operations are concluded, the sealed upper section14is lowered and housed in its secured position.

Variations in operation of the launch system10occur when the launch system is used to launch projectiles other than anti-air missiles.

A major advantage and new feature of the proposed system is that it will enable a submarine50, operating at periscope depth, to launch projectiles70in the air space above the submarine, without subjecting those projectiles to exposure or passage through water. That is, the projectiles70will launch as though being released from the surface60, while the submarine50remains below the surface.

The launch system10facilitates introduction of a short range defensive capability against threat vehicles in the space above the submarine50. In addition to small anti-aircraft missiles as the projectiles70, the launch system10could be used to launch anti-missile countermeasures such as “chaff” that can confuse the targeting ability of an enemy missile that might attack the surfaced submarine50.

Another major advantage and feature of the launch system10is that it can be used to deploy projectiles70not associated with short range defense capability. The launch system10is unique in that it will provide a multi-purpose launcher for small objects as the projectiles70. In addition to defense related munitions, a variety of non-weapon type devices as the projectiles70could be ejected by the launch system10. The projectiles70could include signals, buoys, antennas, or even limited quantities of disposable waste.

A significant advantage of the proposed system, relative to some other concepts that require a weapon magazine in the “sail” of the submarine50, is that here there is no requirement for outboard stowage of projectiles to be launched by the launch system10. Any projectile70intended to be launched by the launch system10will be kept dry, and in a non-threatening environment inside the submarine50, until selected for deployment. Since the projectiles70projected from the submarine50by the launch system10exit the upper section14just above the surface60, the projectiles need not be designed to withstand sea pressure, either when in stowage or during launch.

A further advantage of the launch system10is that the energy required to operate the launch system, i.e., high pressure air, is readily available on most submarines. The launch system10does not require any special kind of propellant or propulsion device. Operation of the launch system10does not produce any residual material or expended hardware. The launch system10can be re-set in a short time for repeated operation.

Finally, it should be recognized that the very existence of the proposed short range launch system10on a submarine will create the advantage of a valuable deterrent effect, since enemy aircraft will no longer be able to operate in the vicinity of submarines, assuming safety from attack.

The launch system10provides a defensive capability for submarines that might be subject to a threat, especially from the air, at close range. The launch system10addresses that threat for circumstances where the submarine50is submerged, at periscope depth, or where the submarine50is on the surface60. While defense is the compelling reason to develop the launch system10, the versatility of the launch system, described above, supports consideration of several alternative uses that would be of value.

An example of an alternative use of the launch system is shown inFIG. 5. A very small drone aircraft80, capable of mounting a surveillance camera, is shown being launched in direction “A” from the launch system10as a canisterized assembly82that deploys after ejection by separation of the canisterized assembly in directions “A” and “C”. It is suggested that images from such drone aircraft80could be transmitted to the submarine50that launched the drone aircraft, or to other forces equipped to receive the transmissions of the drone aircraft.

Another alternative projectile for use is illustrated inFIG. 6. The projectile is a canister90that deploys a small helium balloon92after the walls of the canisterized assembly (similar to the canisterized assembly82) separate following ejection from the launch system10. The folded balloon92is inflated rapidly from a small helium flask (not shown) located in the canister90. The balloon92supports a light weight antenna wire94that extends from a coiled configuration stowed beneath the balloon. A lower end of the antenna wire94is connected to a communications buoy96that occupies an end of the canister90.

The antenna alternative ofFIG. 6may be considered as an independent electronic surveillance concept, or it may be combined with the alternative shown inFIG. 5to support communication of information obtained by the drone aircraft80.

There are other alternative devices that may be launched by the launch system10. A common method of signaling an exercise event between a submarine and a surface ship or aircraft has been to deploy a dye marker that creates a pool of color in the ocean above the submarine. It is suggested that a pyrotechnic signal blown into the air is a visual method of communicating simple status reports. It would offer the advantage of being applicable to night-time operations as well as during daylight.

Alternatives also exist with respect to the implementation of the launch system10. For example, if the launch system10is configured to launch an anti-missile countermeasure when the submarine50is surfaced, it is probable that radar will be incorporated as a system threat detection sensor. Integration of the launch system10with an existing combat system of the submarine50is preferred, but alternatively, the launch system10could also be produced as a stand-alone system.

Potential alternatives could also be recognized in the size and form of the components of the launch system10. The launch system10described in this disclosure includes the upper section14as a launch tube that is very similar in size to that of a typical traditional optical periscope. Such an upper section or launch tube could support launch of a projectile that is about six or eight inches in diameter. Depending upon the projectiles70, the drone aircraft80and the canister90selected for use in the fielded launch system10, the size of the launch system can vary.

In light of the above, it is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.