EP3247973B1 - Heavyweight torpedo, transport sled, and aircraft - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a heavyweight torpedo for launching into a body of water out of sight of a target with a parachute, a parachute torpedo linkage and a parachute solvent, as well as a transport carriage and an aircraft. Such a heavyweight torpedo is eg off US 3,713,387 A1 known.

Usually nowadays only lightweight torpedoes are launched from aircraft. Here, the lightweight torpedoes are spent in the vicinity of a particular dipped target to be destroyed and run the target controlled by the water on their own sensors. On the one hand, this means that the aircraft must approach very close to the target to be destroyed, since the range of the torpedoes used is not sufficient. Thus, generally only lightweight torpedoes are spent by aircraft or aircraft. In addition, it is generally necessary to mount special bomb shafts or mounts for such torpedoes on the aircraft. As a result, separate specialized delivery systems and their torpedoes infrastructure must be provided.

The object of the invention is to improve the prior art.

The problem is solved by a heavyweight torpedo according to claim 1.

Such a heavyweight torpedo, in contrast to previously used torpedoes, can be spent out of sight of a target and or very far from a target in a body of water. Among other things, this is due to the fact that the heavy-weight torpedo has sufficient energy for the drive system and other systems, which ensures that the programmed target is achieved in particular by means of a high-precision waypoint navigation and the associated attack operation can be performed. Furthermore, modifications to a missile are not necessary. Thus omitted any special bomb shafts or other mechanical devices, since such a heavyweight torpedo can be sold with conventional means of transport into the water.

In addition, the risk is minimized that the aircraft, which spends the heavyweight torpedo is destroyed during a mission. This is particularly the case because the aircraft can operate outside the visibility of the target to be destroyed.

In particular, slow and / or difficult to maneuver transport aircraft or transport helicopters can be used, which can spend the heavyweight torpedo, for example, in a normal operating altitude of, for example, 50m or 100m above a water surface.

Typically, with such "slow" and / or "cumbersome" aircraft, torpedoes can not be brought near targets to be destroyed.

By the two-stage parachute solvent on the one hand a safe movement of the torpedo and on the other easy handling can be ensured. In addition, securing mechanisms can be provided which are each initiated and / or completed by the two stages.

The following concept is explained:

The "heavyweight torpedo" or occasionally the heavyweight torpedo has a length of at least 4m. The greater the distance from the drop point to the target to be destroyed, the longer the heavy weight torpedo can be configured. In particular, such a heavyweight torpedo has a length of more than 5m or even more than 6m. While prior art lightweight torpedoes only have a length between 1m to 3m and a diameter of 15cm to 20cm, a heavy weight torpedo generally has a diameter greater than 45cm or even 60cm. Typical diameter data are given in inches (") and are for a heavyweight torpedo, for example 19" or 21 ".

By "settling into a body of water" is meant, in particular, the movement or discharge of the heavy-weight torpedo into a lake, river or sea out of an aircraft. The place where this is done is referred to in particular as the drop point.

"Out of sight of a target" means in particular that from the highest point of the target or, in the case of a submerged vehicle "from the water surface, the escaping aircraft can not be visually detected on a straight line, since the aircraft is in particular" behind the horizon " Typical application heights for such an aircraft are below 100, in particular below 50 m and in particular below 30 m.

In particular, the "target" is a watercraft or other structure, especially man-made, on or in or below a body of water. In particular, this includes ships, submarines, platforms and the like.

A "parachute" is understood to mean, in particular, a technical device which spends the heavyweight torpedo from a settling height substantially intact into the water. An integrity is given in particular if, after the abandonment of the heavyweight torpedo can successfully continue its use. In the settling process, the parachute in particular increases the air resistance or generates a dynamic lift, which reduces the falling speed of the heavyweight torpedo. In particular, such a parachute on a mostly made of cloth or silk cap in which partially the air is jammed. In particular, it is the parachute and a so-called load parachute.

A "parachute torpedo link" is a mechanical link between the heavyweight torpedo and the parachute. In particular, the parachute release solves this connection to separate the parachute and heavy weight torpedo.

The "parachute solvent" means that remove the parachute or act in the operation of the parachute that the heavyweight torpedo without the retarding effect of the parachute, the use in or under water can continue substantially unhindered.

In particular, the parachute release means can be mechanically implemented, such as a mechanically removable bolt, or can also act due to chemical or electrical action or even by means of a blast. According to the solution, the parachute solvent is passively formed by means of a predetermined breaking point which, when the torpedo is started under water, causes the parachute to be "torn off". In particular, the parachute solvent may be an explosive device which, in a defined manner, detaches the parachute or device connected to the parachute. In particular, the first stage "release" the predetermined breaking point, so that breaks in the second stage, the predetermined breaking point. For example, a split pin can be arranged in the notch of a predetermined breaking point, which stabilizes the predetermined breaking point, so that the predetermined breaking point holds during the first stage and before activating the second stage, the split pin is removed, so that the predetermined breaking point breaks. In particular, the first stage deactivates any securing means, so that the separation of the parachute can be made only.

In one embodiment, the heavy weight torpedo comprises a water entry detection means, wherein the parachute solvent and the water entry detection means are arranged such that, at a first stage initiation, the parachute release means are at a defined height above a water level, at a water contact of the torpedo, at a partial dive of the torpedo or at activated by a submerged torpedo.

Thus, the parachute solvent can only be used when the heavy weight torpedo is spent or will be spent undamaged. Furthermore, depending on the position of the heavyweight torpedo certain functionalities can be activated.

In particular, the water entry detection means detect a distance to a water surface or recognize the contact with the water surface or can determine to at which time at least parts of the torpedo are already immersed in the water.

The "water level" or the "water surface" is the water level, averaged over time in particular, in which any wave movements have already been averaged.

A "partial immersion" is to be assumed in particular if at least 5% and less than 95% of the torpedo volume are below the water level. Full immersion is assumed to be from a submerged volume of 95%.

In a further embodiment, the water inlet detection means comprise a pressure sensor, a sonar, a conductivity sensor and / or a distance sensor.

Thus, different physical-technical measurement methods can be used to determine the position of the heavy-weight torpedo with respect to the water level.

For example, the pressure sensor can use the determination of the air pressure to determine the height above the water level. In particular, the discharge height was made available to the torpedo as the measured value during the discharge and the air pressure relevant for the height was determined in advance by the pressure sensor for calibration.

Also, an alternative pressure sensor may detect the penetration of the torpedo into the water due to the corresponding pressure load on a heavy duty torpedo housing. Such a pressure sensor may for example be designed as strain gauges, which determines such pressure changes by means of downstream electronics.

The active sonar, which is usually present in the heavy-weight torpedo in the bow, can already emit a sound signal in the flight phase, for example, which is reflected by the water surface and determines height information on the basis of the Doppler effect or the transceiver duration. In particular, the sonar can determine when it is immersed in the water, since this changes the characteristic behavior of the emitted sound.

Also, a conductivity sensor, which detects, for example, the salinity of the water, can determine that parts of the torpedo are located in the water.

In addition to the sonar can be used as a distance sensor and an optical system which evaluates, for example, a laser beam or an optical signal of a light emitting diode.

Also, the use of altitude information from the aircraft in combination with a time measurement can be used as a water inlet detection means.

In order to protect in particular the sensitive drive elements of heavyweight torpedoes, the parachute torpedoheckseitig be arranged so that the drive means experience the least mechanical stress when entering the water.

In a further embodiment, the parachute is arranged in a collapsed state in a parachute cartridge. Thus, advantageously, a torpedo can be provided with activated parachute. In this embodiment, the parachute release means may release both the parachute itself and the parachute cartridge.

It is sometimes extremely difficult to recover an already activated torpedo. On the other hand, an activated torpedo, which has not yet been spent for use, may pose a danger. In order to activate a heavy-weight torpedo as late as possible and yet safely, the heavy-weight torpedo can be set up in such a way that the heavy-weight torpedo is activated with or after an activation of the parachute, ie during or after the first stage.

In this case, the activation of the heavy-weight torpedo comprises, in particular, the activation of the energy section, because in particular with the batteries used with the activation of a combination of different chemical substances takes place and it could possibly lead to overheating of a torpedo, if the torpedo is not sent on its mission mission.

In a further embodiment, the heavyweight torpedo has a data memory which has aircraft data, in particular aircraft navigation data.

To be able to navigate optimally, a heavy-weight torpedo needs the most accurate initial position and / or direction data. In the event that the heavyweight torpedo is dropped from an aircraft, the torpedo may receive the position and / or direction data from the aircraft to start with that data as a fix and / or as an initial orientation.

In order to provide a structurally simple mechanical realization of the parachute release means, the parachute torpedo connection can have a first predetermined breaking point and / or a second predetermined breaking point, wherein in particular the first predetermined breaking point during initiation of the first step and / or the second predetermined breaking point during Disconnecting the parachute breaks or breaks. In addition, one of the two predetermined breaking points or can both predetermined breaking points have a predetermined breaking point, for example in the form of a splint. The breaking point protection prevents in particular the breaking of the corresponding secured breaking point.

A "predetermined breaking point" is generally in particular a design element provided by design and / or mechanical and / or physical measures or designs. Especially in case of overload, this element will deliberately and predictably fail, thereby keeping a possible damage in an overall system small or to achieve a special function. At the planned breakpoint is often a notch or scoring found. Due to the notch effect here the component is significantly weakened.

In one embodiment, the parachute torpedo connection has a securing means, which is set up in such a way that the securing means is released when the first stage is initiated.

As a "securing means" in particular the predetermined breaking point protection described above can be used. An electronic or electromechanical securing means is also included.

In order to provide a simple mechanical realization of the securing means, the securing means may comprise a pin, in particular a split pin, which is destroyed or removed upon initiation of the first stage.

In another aspect, the object is achieved by a transport carriage for a transport aircraft for a heavyweight torpedo described above.

This offers the advantage that usual previously used transport carriage and securing means for the Dropping off of transport aircraft can be used, which in this case have a heavyweight torpedo invention.

This type of shipment reduces costs and leverages successfully tested systems. A special conversion of the aircraft is not required. In addition, solvents may be provided which free the torpedo after activating the parachute from the transport carriage. Also, the transport carriage can remain in the plane and only the heavyweight torpedo be suspended by activating the parachute.

In one embodiment, the pin is connected to the transport carriage. Thus, after activating the parachute and thus the first stage, the pin remains on the transport carriage and the second stage of activation is enabled.

In an additional aspect, the object is achieved by an aircraft, in particular a transport aircraft, which has a previously described heavyweight torpedo or a transport carriage described above.

Thus, a system may be provided which spits heavyweight torpedoes out of the air into a body of water out of sight of a target by means of a parachute.

The term "aircraft" includes all flying equipment such as transport aircraft or helicopters.

In particular, in the event that the aircraft is a transport aircraft or a transport helicopter, the aircraft may have an openable tailgate, on which, in an open state, the Heavyweight torpedo is deductible. For example, the Herkules C130 and the Transall C160 have such an openable tailgate.

So that flight data or other data held in the aircraft can be ascertained or relayed via the systems of the aircraft to the heavy-weight torpedo, the aircraft has at least one data line which is connected to the heavy-weight torpedo for data exchange. Thus, navigation and / or mission data can still be transmitted to the heavyweight torpedo at a very late point in time.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung zum Absetzen eines Schwergewichtstorpedos in ein Gewässer mittels eines Flugzeuges und dem zugehörigen Abtrennen des Fallschirmes und eine mechanische Ausgestaltung einer Fallschrimtorpedoverbindung.

Furthermore, the invention will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments. It shows

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of settling a heavyweight torpedo in a body of water by means of an aircraft and the associated separation of the parachute and a mechanical design of a Fallschrimtorpedoverbindung.

A transport aircraft 101 has an openable tailgate 102. Disposed inside the transport plane 101 is a heavyweight torpedo 103 of 5.0 m in length and 19 "in diameter on a transport carriage (not shown) .The heavyweight torpedo 103 has a sonic head 105, a drive 107 and a parachute cassette 109 with an associated one Parachute 111. In addition, heavyweight torpedo 103 is connected to the navigation computer via a data line (not shown) and to the energy system of transport aircraft 101 via a power supply line (not shown).

A mechanical connection 141 of the parachute cartridge 109 with the heavyweight torpedo 103 has a first notch, which is designed as predetermined breaking points. The first notch 145 is stabilized by a splint 147. The splint 147 is connected via a metal wire to the transport carriage.

In order to spend the heavyweight torpedo 103 in the water, first the navigation data plus the information in which direction north is transmitted to the heavyweight torpedo 103. Subsequently, with the tailgate 102 open, the folded parachute 111 is activated by opening the parachute cassette 109. As a result, the parachute 111 opens and, due to the (traveling) wind engaging in the parachute cap, the heavyweight torpedo 103 is removed from the rear of the transport aircraft 101 [see Fig. 1 a.)]. The forces pull on the mechanical connection, wherein the first notch 145 does not break due to the stabilizing effect of the split 147. When leaving the aircraft, the splint 147 connected to the transport carriage is pulled off and the first notch 145 is activated as a predetermined breaking point.

Due to the weight force, the heavyweight torpedo 103 aligns vertically with its torpedo head in the direction of the water surface 121 [see Fig. 1 b.)], wherein the first notch 145 is designed to hold this load.

In a first alternative [see Fig. 1 c1], the tensile forces on the connection 141 are reduced and the first notch 145 breaks due to the compressive forces.

In a second alternative [see Fig. 1 c2)], the shearweight torpedo 103 completely plunges into the water along with the parachute cartridge 109 and the parachute 111. Subsequently, the rear-drive 107 is started so that the heavyweight torpedo 103 is moved in the direction of travel 131.

Due to the (pulling) forces now acting on the notch 145 due to the braking effect of the parachute 111, the notch 145 breaks and the parachute cartridge 109 together with the parachute 111 is severed in the separation direction 113. The heavyweight torpedo 103 tracks its mission and destroys the out-of-sight target (not shown).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

101

transport aircraft

102

tailgate

103

Heavyweight torpedo

105

sonar head

107

drive

109

Parachute cassette

111

parachute

113

Separation direction parachute

121

water surface

131

Driving direction heavyweight torpedo

141

cartridge connection

143

first notch

145

second notch

147

cotter

Claims (15)

1. Heavyweight torpedo (103) for dropping into a body of water outside a visibility range of a target, comprising a parachute (111), a parachute/torpedo connection (141), wherein a parachute-releasing means (145), wherein the parachute-releasing means is of a two-stage design and the first stage is initiated by activation of the parachute and the forces of the parachute on the heavyweight torpedo and the second stage is put into an activation mode by the initiation of the first stage and the second stage comprises detachment of the parachute, characterized in that the parachute/torpedo connection comprises a first predetermined breaking point (145) and/or a second predetermined breaking point, wherein the first predetermined breaking point breaks when the first stage is initiated and/or the second predetermined breaking point breaks when the parachute is detached.
2. Heavyweight torpedo according to Claim 1, characterized by a water-entry detection means, wherein the parachute-releasing means and the water-entry detection means are set up in such a way that, with the first stage initiated, the parachute-releasing means are activated at a defined height above a surface of water, when the torpedo makes contact with the water, when the torpedo is partially submerged or when the torpedo is submerged.
3. Heavyweight torpedo according to Claim 2, characterized in that the water-entry detection means comprise a pressure sensor, a sonar (105), a conductivity sensor and/or a distance sensor.
4. Heavyweight torpedo according to either of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the water-entry detection means are arranged at the nose of the torpedo.
5. Heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parachute is arranged at the tail of the torpedo.
6. Heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in a folded-together state, the parachute is arranged in a parachute casing (109).
7. Heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heavyweight torpedo is set up in such a way that an activation of the heavyweight torpedo takes place with or after an activation of the parachute or with or after the detachment of the parachute.
8. Heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data memory, which comprises aircraft data, in particular aircraft navigation data.
9. Heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the parachute/torpedo connection comprises a securing means (147), which is set up in such a way that the securing means is released when the first stage is initiated.
10. Heavyweight torpedo according to Claim 9, characterized in that the securing means comprises a pin, in particular a splint, which is destroyed or removed when the first stage is initiated.
11. Transport sled for a transport aircraft, with a heavyweight torpedo according to one of the preceding claims.
12. Transport sled according to Claim 11, characterized in that the pin is connected to the transport sled.
13. Aircraft (101), in particular a transport aircraft, which comprises a heavyweight torpedo according to one of Claims 1 to 10 or a transport sled according to Claim 11 or 12.
14. Aircraft according to Claim 13, characterized by an openable tail flap (102), through which in an opened state the heavyweight torpedo can be brought.
15. Aircraft according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized by a data line, which is connected to the heavyweight torpedo in a data-exchanging manner.

Images