GB2371024A

GB2371024A - Ship protection system

Info

Publication number: GB2371024A
Application number: GB0101012A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Bone
Original assignee: Ocean Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Ocean Technologies Ltd
Priority date: 2001-01-15
Filing date: 2001-01-15
Publication date: 2002-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-15
Also published as: GB0101012D0; GB2371024B

Abstract

A ship mounted protection system has multiple high tensile wires 1 attached at each end to and tensioned between adjustably mounted posts 2. The wires 1 are spaced between the posts 2 so as to form a barrier against attack. The posts 2 are fixed to hydraulic arms 3 mounted on the ship 4 enabling the system to be quickly deployed. The vertical position of the posts 2 is adjusted by the hydraulic arms 3 to guard against different heights of attack.

Description

SHIP PROTECTION SYSTEM This invention relates to a ship protection system.

Currently ships moored in port are vulnerable to attack from terrorists, who can approach stealthily or rapidly, and detonate explosives into the ship's hull. Moreover, ships at sea have few defence mechanisms against incoming missiles or torpedoes.

We have now devised a rapid deployment protection system, which alleviates the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a ship mounted protection system comprising multiple high tensile wires attached at each end to and tensioned between adjustably mounted posts, said wires being vertically spaced between the posts so as to form a barrier, and an hydraulic means for deployment of the system from the ship and for adjusting the vertical position of the posts.

Preferably, when not in use the system is stored on the ship, and allows for a short deployment time.

In one embodiment of the invention the high tensile wires are fitted with swivels at one end and motors at the other end allowing them to be rotated. Flails with cutters may also be fitted to the wires.

In an alternative embodiment the high tensile wires are fitted with springs and dampers at one end and linear motors at the other end allowing them to be vibrated axially.

In another embodiment the high tensile wires are electrified.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 shows the ship protection system in front elevation view.

Figure 2 shows the ship protection system in plan view.

Figure 3 shows one option for wire arrangement.

Figure 4 shows an alternative option for wire arrangement.

Figure 5 shows an alternative option for wire arrangement.

Figure 6 shows an alternative option for wire arrangement.

Figure 7 shows deployment options.

Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show that the system comprises multiple high tensile wires 1 attached at each end to adjustably mounted posts 2. The posts 2 are fixed to hydraulic arms 3 mounted on the ship 4. Figures 3 to 7 show options for alternative wire arrangements. Figure 3 shows the multiple high tensile and cut resistant wires 1 attached at each end to the adjustably mounted posts 2.

Figure 4 shows the high tensile wires 1 fitted with swivels 5 attached to the post 2 at one end and hydraulic or electric motors 6 attached to the post 2 at the other end allowing the wires 1 to be rotated as indicated by arrows 7. Flails with cutters 8 are also fitted to the wires 1 Figure 5 shows the high tensile wires 1 fitted with springs and dampers 9 attached to the post 2 at one end and linear motors 10 attached to the post 2 at the other end allowing the wires 1 to be vibrated axially as indicated by arrows 11. Figure 6 shows the high tensile wires I attached at each end to the adjustably mounted posts 2, with the wires 1 being electrified.

Figure 7 shows the positions in which the system can be utilised for different deployment options. The hydraulic arms 3 are mounted to the ship 4 with a shaft 12 (end shown) fixed to mountings 13 such that the arms 3 can be rotated vertically as indicated by arrow 14, or rotated horizontally for storage (not shown). Initially the arms 3 are withdrawn assuming a storage position (not shown) on the ship. The posts 2 and wires 1 are then fitted to the arms 3 ready for use. The arms 3 are then rotated about the shaft 12 and extended into the desired deployment position A, B, or C The position indicated by A is used to provide low level missile defence, and can be adjusted to the required height. Early warning systems will provide ample time for deployment to the necessary height and the incoming missile will detonate on impact with the wires 1, thus minimising damage to the ship 4. The position indicated by B is used to provide in-port intruder defence. Intruders approaching the ship 4 in small boats will be unable to pass the barrier formed by the wires 1, or will be sufficiently slowed to allow military response from the ship 4. The position indicated by C is used to provide defence against incoming torpedoes, which will detonate on impact with the wires 1, thus minimising damage to the ship 4.

The bow and stem ends of the ship 4 (where the hull is usually thicker skinned) are protected against in-port intruders through use of additional wires 15 (shown in Figure 2) attached between the posts 2 and the ship 4. Eye rings can be attached to the ship's 4 hull to provide attachment points for the additional wires 15. This also prevents intruders from getting between the wires 1 and the ship 4.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A ship mounted protection system comprising single or multiple high tensile wires attached at each end to and tensioned between adjustably mounted posts, said wires being vertically spaced between the posts so as to form a barrier, and an hydraulic means for deployment of the system from the ship and for adjusting the vertical position of the posts.
2. A ship mounted protection system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the high tensile wires are fitted with swivels at one end and motors at the other end allowing them to be rotated.
3. A ship mounted protection system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein flails with or without cutters are fitted to the wires.
4. A ship mounted protection system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 3, wherein the high tensile wires are fitted with springs and dampers at one end and linear motors at the other end allowing them to be vibrated axially.
5. A ship mounted protection system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the high tensile wires are electrified.
6. A ship mounted protection system substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.