Imaging lidar transmitter downlink for command guidance of underwater vehicle
US5442358A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/89
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An underwater maneuverable vehicle is presented which carries an explosive charge and can be used for immediate removal or destruction of various menaces to navigation and other underwater hazards. The battery powered vehicle is air dropped from a platform which carries an imaging lidar system for detection and is operated and navigationally controlled in conjunction with an imaging lidar system. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, an optical lidar downlink is used to control the submerged underwater maneuverable vehicle from an airborne platform. The downlink is pulse spaced modulated. Command signals are secure, and are decoded aboard the vehicle. Control in speed, heading and depth, as well as command detonation are available using this technique.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.