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MULTI-ROLE UNMANNED VEHICLE SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

  • US 20120290164A1
  • Filed: 05/14/2012
  • Published: 11/15/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An unmanned vehicle for operating, in the air, on the surface of water, and below the surface of water, the unmanned vehicle comprising:

  • a vehicle body wherein at least a portion of the vehicle body comprises at least one enclosed hull that defines at least one enclosed interior compartment capable of pressurization;

    a propulsion system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to propel the unmanned vehicle;

    a ballast system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to vary buoyancy of the unmanned vehicle;

    a center of gravity system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to vary a center of gravity of the unmanned vehicle;

    a pressurization system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to vary a pressure within the at least one enclosed interior compartment;

    at least one control surface system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to maneuver the unmanned vehicle;

    a navigation control system carried by the vehicle body to control the speed and direction of travel of the unmanned vehicle;

    an on board master control system carried by a portion of the vehicle body to execute local control over operation of the propulsion system, the ballast system, the center of gravity system, the pressurization system, the at least one control surface system, and the navigation control system; and

    at least one power supply carried by a portion of the vehicle body to provide power to the propulsion system, the ballast system, the center of gravity system, the pressurization system, the at least one control surface system, the navigation control system, and the on board master control system;

    wherein the propulsion system, the ballast system, the center of gravity system, the pressurization system, the at least one control surface system, the navigation control system, and the on board control system are independently operable to support selective operation of the unmanned vehicle in the air, on the surface of the water, and below the surface of the water.

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