Shock-Mitigating Nose for Underwater Vehicles

Abstract

A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 06, 2002
Accession Number
ADD020026

Entities

People

  • Duane M. Horton

Organizations

  • United States Department of the Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Assembly
  • Attorneys
  • Bulkheads
  • Collisions
  • Composite Materials
  • Governments
  • Inventions
  • Nose Caps
  • Recovery
  • Shock
  • Survivability
  • Undersea Warfare
  • Underwater Vehicles
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.