Razorback

Abstract

A part of the UUV Family of Systems (FoS), Littoral Battlespace Sensors - Autonomous Undersea Vehicle, Submarine variant (LBS-AUV(S)) or Razorback is a medium class UUV capable of persistent, autonomous, ocean sensing and data collection in support of Navy Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPOE) mission. Razorback is deployed from host submarines in two variants: from the Dry Deck Shelter (DDS) or from the torpedo tube. The DDS deployed Razorback variant has been procured beginning in FY 2017 with Fleet operational deployments planned for FY 2020. Development of requirements and submarine integration efforts commenced in FY 2019 for the torpedo tube deployed variant, which will be competitively sourced to industry by FY 2021. In order to deploy Razorback or other small or medium class UUVs from a host submarine platform with sufficient endurance to perform a desired mission, high energy density sources such as lithium ion batteries are used. Consequently, safety is paramount and mitigation systems must be in place to prevent or stop a high energy casualty event. SAFECAP is being developed as an active mitigation strategy that includes a shock qualified capsule that aides in the launch and recovery of small and medium sized UUVs through the torpedo tube, including Razorback. It also contains a Battery Casualty Detection System that constantly monitors battery health and status, providing early warning signs of a battery short. In the event of a casualty, the capsule and vehicle portion of SAFECAP are flooded via fire hose connections and the event is extinguished.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2020
Source ID
3785_0604028N_4_1319_PB_2020

Tags

Readers

  • Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

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