Anti-submarine warfare cluster munitions an cluster depth charges

• US 20060180044A1
• Filed: 02/15/2005
• Published: 08/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Howard, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,503,259 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 102/390
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 15/01 Arrangements thereon for guidance or control steering arrangements F42B10/60; aircraft flight control B64C; guidance systems other than those installed aboard F41G7/00, F41G9/00; locating by use of radio or other waves G01S; flight control in general G05D1/00; computer aspects G06]
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 21/00 Depth charges F42B12/00 takes precedence; for practice or training F42B8/28; laying aspects B63G

Abstract

A system of cluster depth charges increases the probability of inflicting damage on an underwater target. In an embodiment, the cluster depth charges are within a housing, and have intelligent sensor, buoyancy, and tracking and homing systems. In another embodiment, the cluster depth charges have a gun attached to a buoyancy section. In another embodiment, the cluster depth charges have magnets so that the cluster depth charges can attach to the target.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a housing;

an explosive charge within said housing; and

a buoyancy control system, a sensor, and a tracking and homing system positioned within said housing;

wherein said apparatus is for deployment in an underwater environment;

wherein said sensor is for locating an underwater target in said underwater environment; and

wherein said buoyancy control system and said tracking and homing system are for orienting said apparatus in proximity to said underwater target.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a magnet within said housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a detonator to detonate said explosive charge.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is shaped to permit ease of attachment to a curved surface of a target.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said apparatuses are deployed in said underwater environment.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor is selected from the group consisting of passive SONAR, active SONAR, and LIDAR.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a trigger mechanism, said trigger mechanism programmed to trigger on a particular course, at a particular speed, or at a particular depth.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a timed self-destruct system.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a housing;

a gun attached to said housing;

a projectile disposed within said gun; and

a control surface, said control surface comprising a buoyancy control system, a sensor, and a tracking and homing system positioned within said housing;

wherein said apparatus is for deployment in an underwater environment;

wherein said sensor is for locating an underwater target in said underwater environment; and

wherein said buoyancy control system and said tracking and homing system are for orienting said apparatus in proximity to said underwater target.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a magnet within said housing.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said gun and projectile are a super cavitating projectile.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a tether, said tether connecting said magnet to said housing.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said magnet attaches to said underwater target, and further wherein said projectile is expelled from said gun and at said underwater target.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus fires said projectile at said underwater target when said apparatus is in proximity to said underwater target.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said underwater target is a submarine.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said projectile is disposed within a hydrodynamic glider.

17. A method comprising:

deploying a plurality of cluster depth charges into a body of water;

navigating said depth charges towards a target; and

detonating said depth charges.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said navigating comprises:

engaging a buoyancy system, such that said depth charges rise and fall in a water column.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said navigating comprises engaging a tracking and homing system, such that said depth charges approach a path of said target.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said tracking and homing system comprises either a SONAR or a LIDAR system.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching said depth charges to said target by way of magnets on said depth charges.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein said deploying of cluster depth charges is initiated from a surface vessel, an underwater vessel, or an aircraft.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

placing said cluster depth charges into a housing; and

detonating an explosive charge within said housing to disperse said cluster depth charges.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising propelling a jet of molten metal at said target.

25. A method comprising:

deploying a plurality of cluster depth charges into a body of water;

navigating said cluster depth charges towards an intersection with a travel path of a target;

aiming a firearm on said depth charges at said target; and

discharging said firearm.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said navigating comprises engaging a tracking and homing system on said depth charges.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

plotting an intercept course with said target;

determining that said intercept course will fail;

estimating a closest point of approach to said target; and

detonating said cluster depth charges at said closest point of approach.