Patent ID: 8813669

Claim:
A towable antenna system for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), comprising: a launch and recovery system securable to the UUV; a towable body having an outer surface profile to substantially conform with an outer surface profile of the UUV, the towable body releasably attached to the UUV in a first position, a receptacle formed in the UUV that permits the towable body to engage the receptacle in the first position, the receptacle configured to receive an underside portion of the towable body including a keel and rudder portions such that when the towable body is in the first position the outer surface profile of the towable body and the outer surface profile of the UUV adjacent to the towable body are substantially flush relative to one another to minimize fluid dynamic drag during operation underwater; a cable connecting the towable body to the launch and recovery system when the towable body is deployed from the UUV in a second position, the cable operable for transmitting data signals between the towable body and the UUV, the towable body being maneuverable with the rudder when deployed from the UUV; and wherein a communication apparatus and an antenna are operably disposed with the towable body to communicate with at least one remote communication system when the towable body is in the second position.