Expendable underwater vehicle

US5537947A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Sippican, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John R. Couture · Somerset, US
• Alan T. Hudson · Mattapoisett, US
• Michael J. Balboni · Wareham, US
• Mark Manning · Johnstown, US
• Patrick J. Kelly · Acushnet, US
• Brian J. Gallagher · Beaconsfield, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 24, 1994
• Grant date: Jul 23, 1996
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B22/003
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An expendable underwater vehicle for use in training naval forces in anti-submarine warfare in ocean waters, including shallow waters, is between about three to five feet in length and about five inches in diameter, and it includes various improvements which make successful operations in shallow ocean waters, and improved operation in all ocean waters, possible. The improvements include a one-piece nose cup which allows the expendable underwater vehicle to be air launched into shallow water, a scuttle plug which allows water to fill the expendable underwater vehicle after the vehicle is expended and drops to the bottom of the ocean, and rudders and elevators of increased surface area which improve controllability of the vehicle in the water.