FR2723263A1 - Reflective radar device with inflatable structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The device includes a number of angular reflector elements (10), each of which is made of up of three triangular sheets (12). The three triangular sheets are made of a flexible, reflective material which is mounted within a folding support structure (100,200). The sheets are not fastened to the structure by their common joint lines, but are held under tension by supports attached to the open edges of the triangles. The support structure can be an inflatable structure defining a framework, within which there may be eight reflectors forming an octahedron. The reflective material may be a metallised plastic sheeting.

Description

 The present invention relates to the field of radar reflectors.

 More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of radar reflectors produced on the basis of angle reflectors each having three plane reflecting surfaces perpendicular in pairs. Such angle reflectors materialize the interior angle of the top of a cube.

 It is known that such an angle reflector reflects the incident waves which reach any of its surfaces, in a direction parallel to the direction of incidence.

 Many angle reflectors have already been proposed.

 In particular, reflector devices have been proposed comprising eight angle reflectors whose vertices coincide. Such a reflector device reflects any incident wave parallel to its direction of incidence, whatever the latter.

 Each reflecting surface of these reflecting devices generally consists of a right triangle. The rectilinear bases of this right triangle thus define an octahedron. When these right triangles are isosceles, the octahedron is regular.

 It has also been proposed to construct such reflecting devices in the form of an octahedron from triangular sheets of flexible reflecting material connected at their edges and placed in an inflatable support structure.

 Thanks to the use of a flexible retroreflective material, and of an inflatable support structure, the reflector device obtained has a small volume, during storage, before use.

 Examples of such octahedron-shaped reflecting devices formed from flexible sheets of reflecting material and associated with an inflatable support structure are described for example in documents FR-A-1226263, GB-A-913547, US-A -3276017, US-A3115631 and US-A-3217325 published between 1960 and 1966.

 Document US-A-3568191 published in 1971 describes a variant of the support structure based on three deformable rings.

 These known devices have not been entirely satisfactory.

 In particular, it has been observed that after deployment, the angle reflectors are often deformed, that is to say that the reflecting surfaces are either not planar, or not perfectly orthogonal to one another.

 For this reason, these prior devices based on flexible reflective material have tended to be abandoned in favor of rigid panels. Such reflective devices based on rigid panels are described for example in documents FR-A-2073370, US-A3660843, US-A-4072948, US-A-4096479 and US-A-4119965 published between 1971 and 1978.

 Reflector devices based on rigid panels proposed more recently offer more satisfactory reflective properties than prior devices based on flexible sheets. However, they have a significant drawback: their size during storage.

 The present invention now aims to improve the known radar reflectors based on angle reflectors.

 This object is achieved in the context of the present invention by means of a reflector device comprising at least one angle reflector formed of three generally triangular sheets of flexible reflective material, placed in a deployable support structure, characterized in that the various sheets component of the angle reflector have their independent edges between them and are connected to the support structure at their angles, by means of connection exerting a force in their plane.

 Preferably, in the context of the present invention, the deployable support structure is formed of an inflatable structure.

 Furthermore, advantageously, the reflector device according to the present invention is arranged in octahedron, that is to say that it comprises eight angle reflectors having their adjacent apex.

 Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which - FIG. 1 represents a general view in perspective of an octahedral reflector device according to the present invention, - Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of a triangular panel and its connecting means on the corners, according to the present invention, - Figures 3 and 4 schematically represent the means for fixing the reflective panels in accordance with the present invention, - Figure 5 represents a schematic perspective view of an inflatable support structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, - Figure 6 represents a view schematic in perspective of plates intended to be placed on the ends of inflatable hoses used s in the context of the first alternative form of support structure in accordance with the present invention, - FIG. 7 represents a schematic plan view of the same plates, - FIG. 8 represents a schematic view, in the same plane, of the plates fitted reflective panels and inflatable hoses, - Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an inflatable support structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention, - Figures 10 and 11 schematically illustrate the assembly process of 'one end of an inflatable hose on a plate according to the present invention, - Figures 12 and 13 show in two axial views orthogonal to each other an inflatable hose fixed on two end plates and illustrate more precisely the arrangement of a internal sling in the hose, - Figure 14 shows a central plate serving as a distributor, used in the frame e of the first alternative embodiment of the support structure according to the present invention, - Figure 15 schematically shows, in perspective, a plate used in the context of the second alternative embodiment of the support structure according to the present invention, and - FIG. 16 represents a schematic perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the support structure according to the present invention.

 As shown in Figure 1 attached, the radar reflector device according to the present invention is preferably formed of eight angle reflectors. Each of the angle reflectors has the general reference 10 in FIG. 1.

 Each corner reflector 10 is delimited by three generally triangular panels 12. The panels 12 are planes and orthogonal two by two. Thus, each angle reflector 10 materializes the interior angle of a cube corner. The vertices of the various angle reflectors coincide and represent the center O of the structure.

 More precisely, each panel 12 is common to two angle reflectors 10. Thus, the complete reflector device comprises twelve panels 12. In FIG. 1, eight of these twelve panels can be seen. In the context of the present invention each of the panels 12 is formed from a fabric of flexible reflective material. The panels 12 are carried by a deployable support structure, not shown in Figure 1 to simplify the illustration, and which will be described in more detail below.

 The fabric making up the panels 12 can be formed by any suitable means reflecting the radar waves. Preferably, the fabric making up the panels 12 is formed from a metallized plastic. In a manner known per se, the metallization is formed, as shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2 and 8, of a grid network of hexagonal base structure. The average diameter of each mesh of the grid is typically of the order of 1 mm. The meshes of the network are juxtaposed to each other with a common edge.

 Such flexible fabrics in reflective material are marketed for example by the company CHEMRING.

 It is understood that the bases 14 of the various panels 12 define a volume in the form of an octahedron.

 More precisely still, preferably, each panel 12 has the general shape of an isosceles triangle. In other words, the sides or edges 16 of the panels 12 oriented radially with respect to the center O are all equal. In this case, the bases 14 of the various panels 12 more precisely define a regular octahedron.

 As indicated above, according to the main characteristic of the present invention, the various panels 12 are not interconnected at their edges 16. The edges 16 adjacent to two orthogonal panels 12 are thus independent. The panels 12 are connected to the support structure which will be described later, only at their angles. The connecting means provided on the angles of the various panels 12 are moreover adapted to exert a force in a common plane coinciding with the plane of the panel in question.

 Thanks to this fundamental characteristic of the present invention, the applicant has determined that the transfer of stress from one panel 12 to another is avoided completely, in particular at their edges 16.

This characteristic of the invention eliminates a very serious drawback of the reflecting devices of the prior art and makes it possible to guarantee, as will be explained below, on the one hand perfect flatness of each panel 12, on the other hand a perfect orthogonality between the panels 12.

 The support structure of the aforementioned panels 12 is preferably formed of a deployable structure so as to have a small volume, during storage. This characteristic allows in particular an implementation of the reflector device, using a rocket.

 The deployable support structure can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments.

 One can for example consider making the deployable support structure carrying the panels 12 using semi-rigid rods hinged together. One can for example provide a deployable support structure comparable to FIG. 5 formed of six semi-rigid rods articulated on a central ball joint and oriented, after deployment, radially with respect to the central structure and orthogonal in pairs.

 One can also plan to use a deployable support structure comparable to FIG. 9 formed by twelve semi-rigid rods articulated four to four on six plates corresponding to the vertices of an octahedron, which semi-rigid rods delimit the basic edges of the 'octahedron.

 According to another variant, the deployable support structure can be formed of three semi-rigid orthogonal rings two by two as taught in principle by document US-A-3568191.

 However, in the context of the present invention, the support structure is preferably formed of an inflatable structure.

 To this end, the support structure can be formed for example of a spherical or octahedral balloon enveloping the panels 12 and supporting them.

However, such a balloon-shaped inflatable structure results in a relatively large volume to inflate.

 In order to limit the capacities of the inflation means on the one hand, and reduce the inflation time on the other hand, within the framework of the present invention, it is preferably proposed to produce the inflatable support structure based on flanges or flexible hoses connected together.

 We will now specify two embodiments of such inflatable support structures based on flexible hoses with regard respectively to FIGS. 5 and 9.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5, the inflatable support structure 100 is composed of six hoses 110. In use the hoses 110 extend radially relative to a central node 112 and are orthogonal two by two. In other words, the hoses 110 are placed along the axes of a system of orthognal axes OX, OY, OZ. The ends of the casings 110 opposite the central node 112 define the six vertices
X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2 of the octahedron.

 Of course, the hoses 110 are all of identical length.

 It will be specified below, an advantageous structure of central node 112 and plates placed on the opposite ends of the hoses 110, to ensure the sealing thereof.

 In order to guarantee a rigorous geometry of the support structure thus formed, provision is also made, preferably, for non-extensible connecting means between each pair of vertices immediately adjacent to the octahedron, that is to say each pair of 'immediately adjacent ends of hoses 110.

 There are thus provided twelve flexible but not extensible slings, referenced 120 in FIG. 5 connecting two by two the ends of the hoses 110. These slings 120 delimit the edges of the octahedron.

The slings 120 are preferably formed from strong and stable synthetic fibers. Such slings can be formed for example, and without limitation, synthetic fibers sold under the brands KEVLAR 29 and 49, DYNEEMA SR60 and 66, and
VECTRAN HS.

 According to the second preferred embodiment variant of the invention shown in FIG. 9, the inflatable support structure 200 is formed by twelve tubes or hoses 210 connected four by four, by their ends and arranged along the edges of an octahedron. The ends of the tubes 210 again define the six vertices X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2 of the octahedron. Of course, the hoses 210 must have identical lengths.

 Again, to materialize the six vertices of the octahedron with great precision, we can consider connecting the six vertices of the octahedron, that is to say the ends of the hoses 210, using of three internal slings 220 arranged along the axes of the system of orthogonal axes OX, OY and OZ respectively. The three slings 220 thus connect respectively the opposite vertices X1 and X2, Y1 and Y2, Z1 and Z2 of the octahedron.

 The internal slings 220 can be made from the same materials as the slings 120 previously described with reference to FIG. 5.

 Those skilled in the art will readily understand that, thanks to the structure described above, the reflector device can, before use, have a small volume since the panels 12 formed of flexible canvas as well as the hoses 110, 210 and slings 120, 220 can be folded . Therefore, the reflector device according to the present invention can be placed for example in the body of a rocket. The faces of each corner reflector are developed as soon as the inflation of the hoses 110 and 210 is completed. Furthermore, the slings 120 and 220 guarantee with great precision the geometry of the octahedron, therefore the retro-bending properties of the radar waves, parallel to their direction of incidence, whatever the latter.

 The panels 12 of generally triangular flexible fabric forming each side of an angle reflector are fixed to the support structure 100 or 200, at their angles as indicated above, by any suitable means. Preferably, each vertex of a triangular panel 12 is truncated, and each triangle is fixed to the inflatable frame 100, 200, along three lines of action passing through the vertices of the triangle by means of flat strips 20, shown in particular on Figure 2, positioned from the support frame.

 The assembly of the connecting tapes 20 on the panel 12 itself can be carried out by any suitable means. The connecting tapes 20 are preferably made of thermoplastic material. According to a particular embodiment, the connecting strips 20 are produced on the basis of a three-layer structure, comprising for example a layer of polyethylene with a thickness of the order of 40pu, an intermediate layer of polyester, for example of a thickness of 23 pm and a third external layer of polyethylene, for example with a thickness of the order of 40 pu.

 To fix such a connecting tape 20 on a panel 12, the tape 20 can be folded back on itself on either side of an angle of the panel 12 respectively, making sure to pass the loop thus formed on a pin 130 linked to the support structure. A mass of thermoplastic material 22, for example polyethylene can be placed between each strand of ribbon 20 thus folded back on itself and the adjacent face of the panel 12.

Then the ribbon 20 can be definitively fixed on the panel 12, for example by thermorivetage, as shown in FIG. 4.

 The inflatable tubes 110, 210 are preferably produced in the form of flexible tubes made of thermoplastic material, for example based on polyester. The diameter of the flanges 110, 210 is determined according to the compromise: minimum volume to be inflated / support structure of sufficient rigidity. The flanges 110, 210 typically have a diameter of the order of 40wu.

 Preferably, tubes 110, 210 are chosen having a length at least slightly greater than the distance separating their ends in use so that, while exerting a push at each of their ends, the inflatable tubes 110, 210 are not subjected to no longitudinal force on their cylindrical wall. In this case, to guarantee perfect geometry of the octahedron, and in particular to maintain the two ends of each inflatable tube 110, 210 at a well determined distance and practically invariable as a function of the thrust, an internal connection is preferably provided 135 between the ends or poles of each cylindrical inflatable tube 110, 210. Such an internal connection 135 is visible for example in FIGS. 12 and 13.

 The inflatable tubes 110, 210 must of course be closed at their ends and connected. This function is performed in the context of the present invention by means of so-called pole pieces. These parts are adapted to avoid any longitudinal tension specific to the cylinder making up the inflatable hoses 110, 210. FIGS. 10 and 11 show a preferred embodiment of such a pole piece having the general reference 150.

 More precisely, FIG. 10 represents a pole piece 150 before assembly while FIG. 11 shows the same pole piece 150 after assembly on the end of a hose 110.

 Preferably, the pole pieces 150 are produced by mechanical assembly of pieces apart from any bonding. This arrangement firstly offers the advantage of being removable. It then avoids any risk of difficult aging which may result from bonding.

 As previously suggested, the essential function of each pole piece 150 is to ensure the resistance to sealing under the internal pressure of the hose 110, 210 concerned. This internal pressure of the hoses 110, 210 is typically from 1 to 3 bars.

 According to the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, each pole piece 150 consists of two flanges 160, 170, an O-ring 180, and a ring 190. The flanges 160, 170 extend perpendicularly to the axis 111 of the hose 110. Each flange 160, 170 preferably has a side bearing 162, 172 frustoconical, such that the two bearing surfaces 162, 172 define after assembly of the flanges 160, 170 an annular groove of triangular cross section receiving the joint O-ring 180. Preferably, the two flanges 160, 170 engage by means of threaded means capable of alternately ensuring their bringing together and their distance, by relative rotation about the axis 111. For this purpose, a distinction is made on Figure 10 a sleeve 164 with internal thread secured to the flange 160, receiving a complementary threaded was 174 secured to the flange 170. Of course, these particular threaded means can be replaced by all functionally equivalent means.

 The O-ring 180 is preferably of low shore hardness, typically from 30 to 60. The O-ring 180 is placed opposite the frustoconical bearing surfaces 162, 172 between the two flanges 160, 170. The outside diameter, at rest, of the O-ring 180 advantageously corresponds to the nominal diameter of the inflatable hose 110.

 The ring 190 advantageously has an internal diameter corresponding to the nominal diameter of the inflatable hose 110. The ring 190 has, on its internal surface, a semi-toroidal fillet 192.

 It is thus understood on a comparative examination of FIGS. 10 and 11, that the tightening of the two flanges 160, 170, by virtue of the complementary threaded means 164, 174 causes the O-ring 180 to expand, and consequently the seal to be sealed. O-ring 180 and inflatable hose 110.

 As indicated above, there is preferably provided between each pair of pole pieces 150 provided respectively at the ends of a hose 110, 210, a mechanical connection 135 defining precisely the distance separating the two pole pieces 150. Preferably , this mechanical connection 135 is formed by a sling of high tenacity wires. The sling 135 is centered on the axis of revolution of the inflated hose 110, 210.

 According to the particular embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the sling 135 is formed of a loop fixed on each inner face of the pole pieces 150. More specifically, according to the representation given in Figures 12 and 13, the internal sling 135 is fixed on a journal axis 166 of a few mm in diameter perfectly centered on the inner flange 160. The journal axis 166 is mounted on two bosses 167, 168 visible in FIG. 13, the spacing of which is centered on the axis 111, corresponds to the thickness of the sling 135.

 Thanks to the structure which has just been described, it is understood that the reactions of the sling 135 are perfectly collinear with the axis 111 of the cylinder formed by the hose 110, 210. Consequently, the sling 135 precisely defines the length required for hose 110, 210 in order to obtain a perfect octahedron but does not generate any disturbing force capable of being transmitted to hose 110, 210.

 In FIGS. 6 and 7, six pole pieces 150 have been shown diagrammatically in accordance with the provisions described above with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, intended to be placed respectively on the ends of the hoses 110 defining the vertices of the octahedron in the context of the variant embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

 We have also shown in the same Figures 6 and 7, the central node 112 centered on the point O and serving as a starting point for each radial hose 110. It will be noted that the central node 112 is essentially formed by a block 140 serving as a distributor high pressure and receiving six pole pieces 150 in accordance with the arrangements shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and receiving respectively the radially internal ends of the hoses 110 shown in FIG. 5.

 The pole pieces 150 shown in Figures 6 and 7 are of course arranged along the three axes of the system of orthogonal axes OX, OY and OZ.

 In FIG. 8, we find the central node 112 equipped with six pole pieces 150 receiving the radially inner ends of the hoses 110 and six outer pole pieces 150 placed on the radially outer ends of the same hoses 110.

 We see in Figure 8, the hoses 110 and slings 120 connecting two by two the adjacent vertices of the octahedron. Finally, we see in Figure 8 panels 12 in flexible reflective canvas each fixed at their angles, with three ribbons 20 on the support structure. More specifically, the top of each panel 12 adjacent to the center O of the structure is fixed by a first strap 20 on a pin 130 carried by a yoke 132 secured to the central block 140. Furthermore, the two angles of the same panel 12 adjacent to the edges of the octahedron are fixed by bands 20 on trunnions 130 carried by yokes integrated in one of the flanges 170 of each pole piece.

 FIG. 14 shows another alternative embodiment of the central node 112 integrating six pole pieces 150 for the implementation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, in FIG. 14, the axes of journaling 166 are distinguished. receiving internal slings 135.

 FIGS. 15 also show plates 250 intended for the implementation of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

 Each of these plates 250 integrates four pole pieces 150 in accordance with the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 and intended to receive one end of one of the twelve hoses 210 shown in FIG. 9. There is also a distinction on the plate 250 four journalling axes 130 orthogonal two by two and coplanar, placed respectively in each of the basic planes defined by the system of axes OX, OY, OZ.

As indicated above, these journaling axes 130 are intended to receive the fixing tapes 20 provided on the corners of the panels 12.

 The system which has just been described and which is shown in the appended figures, must be supplemented by inflation means.

 These are preferably adapted to ensure inflation of the complete support structure in less than a second. For this, of course, the connection defined between the inflation means and the hoses 110, 210 must be adapted to minimize the paths of inflation gas.

 As part of the embodiment shown in Figure 5, it is preferably carried out a simultaneous inflation of all the tubes 110 by means of an injection of the inflation gases in the high pressure distributor formed by the central node 112 accessing each inlet radially internal of a hose 110.

 In the context of the second alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of injection points are preferably provided in the network of hoses 210 equi-distributed on the structure.

 The inflation means can themselves be formed from any suitable known means, for example from a cylinder of pressurized gas, such as helium, or from a gas generator by chemical or pyrotechnic reactions.

 The reflector device according to the present invention typically has an external diameter of the order of 2 m, in the deployed state.

 Advantageously, the mass of the support structure 100, 200 composed of inflatable hoses 110, 210 and slings 120, 220 typically of the order of 500 g, while the total mass of the fabrics making up the panels 12 is also typically of around 500g.

 As indicated above, in the context of the present invention, the reflector device is designed to be integrated into a request in order to be implemented after the latter has been cast out. The inflation of the support structure 110, 210 is activated during the deposition of the request.

 Preferably, the support structure 100, 200 is connected to a parachute ensuring the lift of the assembly and reducing the speed of descent of the reflector. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the context of implementation in the form of a decoy in the field of countermeasures with regard to weapon systems.

 In order to guarantee correct orientation of the reflecting device, it is preferably provided in this context a ballast fixed to the support structure 100, 200 opposite the parachute lines. The aforementioned ballast can be formed by a part of the inflation device.

 The tests carried out by the applicant on structures conforming to the previously described provisions have given full satisfaction. They made it possible in particular to verify that the structures thus proposed allow compliance with the right angles of the octahedron with an accuracy of less than 0.50. As indicated previously, this characteristic is fundamental for obtaining a perfect return of the rays reflected in a direction parallel to the direction of incidence, whatever the latter.

 Of course the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments which have just been described but extends to any variant in accordance with its spirit.

In particular, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that the panels of flexible reflective canvas of triangular geometry described above and shown in the appended figures, can be replaced by quarter discs whose rectilinear edges are placed adjacent to the axes of the system. OX,
OY, OZ, while the free edges in a quarter of a circle of the same panels 12 materialize the external envelope of the reflecting device.

 In this case preferably, the support structure is formed by three hoses 300, 302, 304 in rings, inflatable, orthogonal two by two as shown in the picture.

Claims (23)

 1. A radar reflector device of the type comprising at least one angle reflector (10) formed from three generally triangular sheets (12), of flexible reflective materials, placed in a deployable support structure (100, 200) characterized in that the various sheets (12) making up the angle reflector have their edges (16) independent of each other and are connected to the support structure (100, 200) at their angles by means of connection means (20) exerting a force in their plan.  2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the deployable support structure (100, 200) is formed of an inflatable structure.  3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises eight angle reflectors (10) with adjacent apex, arranged in octahedron.  4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sheets (12) embodying the angle reflectors (10) are formed of a canvas of metallized plastic.  5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sheets of flexible reflective material are fixed to the support structure (100, 200) using tape (20) fixed, preferably thermo welded, on their angles.  6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the connecting tapes (20) are fixed on support pins (130).  7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support structure (100, 200) is formed of inflatable hoses (110, 210).  8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that there are provided slings (120, 220) connecting together the tops of the support structure.  9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that there are provided slings inters (135) in the inflatable hoses (110, 210), which internal slings define a precise length between the ends of each inflatable hose (110, 210).  10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the internal slings (135) are centered on each hose (110, 210).  11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support structure (100) comprises six rectilinear hoses (110) orthogonal two by two and arranged respectively along the axes of a system of orthogonal axes ( OX, OY, OZ), radially from a central node (112).  12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the support structure (100) further comprises a set of two slings (120) arranged along the edges of an octahedron and connecting two by two the adjacent vertices of the support structure .  13. Device according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the support structure further comprises a central node (112) receiving with sealing the radially internal end of each of the six hoses (110) and six pole pieces arranged along the vertices of an octahedron and receiving with sealing the radially external ends of each of the six hoses (110).  14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the central part (112) serves as a distributor of inflation gas towards the radially internal inlets of each of the hoses (110).  15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support structure (200) comprises twelve inflatable hoses arranged along the edges of an octahedron and connected by their ends, four to four, at the vertices of the octahedron.  16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the support structure further comprises three internal slings (220) connecting two by two the opposite vertices of the support structure and arranged along the axes of a system of orthogonal axes ( OX, OY, OZ).  17. Device according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the support structure further comprises six plates arranged at the top of an octahedron and each receiving with sealing the ends of four inflatable hoses (210) respectively leading to each octahedron vertex.  18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the support structure comprises pole pieces comprising two flanges (160, 170) comprising assembly means (164, 174) and each having an external bearing frustoconical (162, 172), an O-ring resting against the O-rings (162, 172) and an external clamping ring (190).  19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the outside diameter of the O-ring (180) corresponds at rest to the nominal diameter of the inflatable hose and that the clamping ring (190) has an inside diameter also corresponding to the nominal diameter of the hose and has a semi-toric internal fillet (192) capable of receiving the O-ring (180) after expansion following the bringing together of the flanges (160, 170).  20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it further comprises inflation means preferably chosen from the group comprising a cylinder of pressurized gas, such as helium, and a gas generating means by reaction, for example by chemical or pyrotechnic reaction.  21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it is packaged in a rocket.  22. Device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it further comprises a parachute fixed to the support structure (100, 200).  23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that it further comprises a ballast, formed for example of an element of the inflation means, connected to the support structure (100, 200).