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Mine neutralization device

  • US 6,359,834 B1
  • Filed: 06/04/2001
  • Issued: 03/19/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of neutralizing a mine comprising the steps:

  • providing a submersible having an elongate cylindrically-shaped pressure-hull housing mounting a plurality of longitudinally extending pylons thereon;

    propelling said submersible through ambient water from a launch platform by motor-driven propellers disposed aft on said pylons;

    deploying an optical fiber from a spool of optical fiber on said housing during transit through said ambient water;

    illuminating an area forward of said housing with visible light radiated from a source of visible light mounted forward on one of said pylons;

    receiving reflected portions of said visible light to provide representative optical data signals in a camera system mounted forward on one of said pylons;

    projecting acoustic energy from a sonar system mounted forward on one of said pylons through said ambient water;

    receiving reflected portions of said projected acoustic energy by said sonar system to provide representative acoustic data signals;

    processing signals in an electronics section in said housing to generate internal control signals therein;

    coupling said internal control signals to a guidance and control section in said housing;

    generating actuating signals in said guidance and control section in response to said internal control signals;

    coupling said actuating signals to effect displacement of motors connected to a plurality of fins disposed aft on said housing, a vertical thruster section extending through said housing, and said motor-driven propellers;

    steering said submersible in said ambient water to a mine by said fins, said vertical thruster section and said propellers by said actuating signals; and

    detonating a warhead in said housing to destroy said mine.

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