WO2011133425A1

WO2011133425A1 - Remotely-triggered submerged launch canisters

Info

Publication number: WO2011133425A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/032698
Authority: WO
Inventors: David E. Bossert; Jeffrey N. Zerbe; Ray Sampson
Original assignee: Raytheon Company
Priority date: 2010-04-19
Filing date: 2011-04-15
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: US20110253026A1; US20110253025A1; WO2011133426A1

Abstract

Embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

Description

REMOTELY-TRIGGERED SUBMERGED LAUNCH CANISTERS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/325,712, filed April 19, 2010. This application also claims priority to U.S. Non- Provisional Application Serial No. 12/848,449, filed August 2, 2010.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following disclosure relates generally to underwater deployment systems and, more specifically, to submerged launch canisters utilized to remotely deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and other waterborne objects.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (also commonly referred to as "Autonomous Underwater Vehicles") are utilized for various purposes in military and civilian contexts. In the military context, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles ("UUVs") may be employed to perform oceanic and littoral surveillance or to detect, and possibly disable, naval mines or other threats. Widespread in-field usage of UUVs has, however, been somewhat hindered by the lack of a straightforward, rugged, and reliable means that can be utilized by nontechnical military personnel to deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles on an ad hoc, as- needed basis. In addition, the duration of time over which an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle can operate autonomously is inherently limited by the capacity of the battery or batteries deployed aboard the UUV. It is generally not practical for an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle to remain dormant and exposed on the seafloor for a prolonged period of time prior to activation. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles are thus subject to timing constraints that may deter or prevent UUV deployment when the time frame for accomplishment of mission objectives is uncertain or relatively lengthy; e.g., several days or weeks post-deployment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the foregoing section entitled "Background," there exists an ongoing need to provide embodiments of a deployment device that can be utilized to reliably deploy an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (or other waterborne object) or to pre-position an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle on the seafloor for deployment at a later juncture. In the latter regard, it is particularly desirable to provide a deployment device that enables an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle to be pre-positioned at a desired location of deployment and to be remotely activated at a subsequently-determined time to maximize the post- deployment operational lifespan of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. It is also generally desirable for such a deployment device to be cost-effective, scalable, handsafe, rugged, and relatively straightforward to operate to facilitate usage by in-field military personnel, including divers operating in potentially adverse maritime conditions (e.g., low ambient light, Sea States approaching or exceeding Code 3, etc.). Other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended Claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings and Background.

[0005] To satisfy some or all of the foregoing needs, embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely- triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] At least one example of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following Figures:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a submerged launch canister in a watertight transport state and illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method suitable for carrying-out the underwater deployment of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle utilizing the submerged launch canister shown in FIG. 1; and

[0009] FIGs. 3 and 4 are generalized isometric views of the submerged launch canister shown in FIG. 1 in watertight transport and launch states, respectively, and utilized to deploy an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle in accordance with the exemplary method illustrated in FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. To the contrary, many embodiments of the submerged launch canister and the like are not limited by the drawings or other representations contained herein, but rather encompass a wide range of equivalent embodiments that incorporate the general concepts set-forth in this document and its attachments. The term "canister" as appearing herein is defined broadly to include any sealable container, regardless of shape, size, structural features, material composition, etc., suitable for the underwater transport and deployment of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle or other waterborne object as described more fully below. As further appearing herein, the term "seafloor" is utilized to denote any submerged surface that may support the submerged launch canister as further described below.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a Submerged Launch (SL) canister 10 in a watertight transport state and illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As will be described more fully below, SL canister 10 enables a waterborne object (or objects) stored within canister 10 to be safely transported and deployed from within a body of water in response to a wireless launch signal, such as an acoustic launch signal. SL canister 10 is especially well-suited for the transport and the remotely-initiated launch of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle, such as a robotic submarine, utilized to perform reconnaissance or other functionalities when operational. For this reason, SL canister 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described herein below in conjunction with a generalized Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) 12. It is, however, emphasized that embodiments of SL canister 10 can be utilized to transport and launch various other types of waterborne objects including, but not limited to, waterborne sensor packages, waterborne munitions, waterborne sub-munitions, waterborne communications relays and signal emitters, waterborne jammers, and the like.

[0012] SL canister 10 includes a pressure vessel 14 having an upper open end portion 16, a lower closed end portion 18, and a main storage cavity 20. The dimensions of storage cavity 20 and, more generally, the dimensions of pressure vessel 14 can be scaled, as appropriate, to accommodate waterborne objects of various sizes; e.g., as indicated in FIG. 1, the dimensions of pressure vessel 14 can be chosen such that the inner diameter of storage cavity 20 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of UUV 12. The geometry of pressure vessel 14 may also be varied, as desired; however, it is preferred that pressure vessel 14 is generally tubular in shape to optimize the structural integrity of pressure vessel 14 and to facilitate transport and storage of SL canister 10 using, for example, universal boat rack systems. When UUV 12 is stored within main storage cavity 20, UUV 12 and SL canister 10 may be collectively referred to as an "All-Up Round."

[0013] SL canister 10 further includes a watertight cap 22 and a hinge member 24, which hingedly couples watertight cap 22 to open end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14. Watertight cap 22 is rotatable between a closed position (illustrated in FIG. 1) and an open position (illustrated in FIG. 4, described below). In the closed position, watertight cap 22 sealingly engages open end portion 16 to prevent the ingress of water into storage cavity 20 and the premature wetting of UUV 12 during underwater transport of SL canister 10. To improve the sealing characteristics of watertight cap 22 in the closed position, one or more seals may be disposed between watertight cap 22 and open end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14. For example, as generically illustrated in FIG. 1, an O-ring 27 may be disposed around a cylindrical protrusion 26 provided on the underside of watertight cap 22. When watertight cap 22 is in the closed position, O-ring 27 is sealingly compressed between the outer circumferential wall of cylindrical protrusion 26 and an inner circumferential wall of open end portion 16 to provide a watertight seal to a depth of, for example, several hundred meters. Although not shown in FIG. 1 for clarity, a waterproof membrane (e.g., a Mylar® film) can be installed within open end portion 16 between UUV 12 and watertight cap 22 to further deter the premature wetting of UUV 12 in the unlikely event that water should ingress into storage cavity 20 during usage of SL canister 10.

[0014] Watertight cap 22 is conveniently, although not necessarily, biased toward the open position by one or more resilient elements. For example, as indicated in FIG. 1, a compression spring 28 may be compressed between watertight cap 22 and open end portion

16 when watertight cap 22 is in the closed position to resiliently urge watertight cap 22 toward the open position. Alternatively, and as a second example, watertight cap 22 may be biased toward the open position by a torsion spring included within hinge member 24. In embodiments wherein watertight cap 22 is biased toward the open position, SL canister 10 is further equipped with a cap release mechanism 30, which physically prevents cap 22 from rotating into the open position until the desired time of deployment. Although cap release mechanism 30 may assume any form suitable for maintaining watertight cap 22 in the closed position, it is generally desirable for cap release mechanism 30 to comprise a relatively simple and rugged device, such as a solenoid, to ensure reliability in harsh operating environments.

[0015] SL canister 10 is negatively buoyant and will consequently sink to the seafloor if jettisoned from a surface ship, submarine, aircraft, or other vehicle, as described below in conjunction with STEP 76 of method 70 (FIG. 2). Furthermore, due to its negative buoyancy, SL canister 10 will remain substantially stationary after coming to rest on the seafloor. In embodiments wherein SL canister 10 is allowed to sink to the seafloor, SL canister 10 includes certain characteristics and structural features to ensure that SL canister 10 comes to rest in an orientation appropriate for the subsequent launch of UUV 12. For example, SL canister 10 is preferably asymmetrically weighted (i.e., the bottom of SL canister 10 is heavier than is the top portion of SL canister 10, when loaded) to ensure that SL canister 10 comes to rest on the seafloor in an at least partially upright position. In addition, SL canister 10 may be equipped with a stand member 32, which elevates open end portion 16 from the seafloor. Stand member 32 may assume the form of a deployment ring mounted around pressure vessel 14 proximate open end portion 16, which extends radially outward from pressure vessel 14 to contact the seafloor and thereby elevate open end portion 16 above the seafloor when SL canister 10 is supported thereby. In further embodiments, stand member 32 can assume the form of a pivotal arm that can be moved outward from the body of pressure vessel 14 by an actuator to elevate open end portion 16 immediately prior to launch of UUV 12. In still further embodiments, stand member 32 may comprise a flotation device (e.g., an inflatable float collar) disposed around open end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14 to impart upper end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14 with a positive buoyancy.

[0016] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, SL canister 10 is further equipped with a vacuum port 40 and a pressure relief valve 42. Vacuum port 40 and pressure relief valve 42 are each fluidly coupled to main storage cavity 20 of pressure vessel

14. In the illustrated example, specifically, pressure relief valve 42 is mounted through a central portion of watertight cap 22, and vacuum port 40 is mounted through the annular wall of pressure vessel 14. Vacuum port 40 enables the sealing characteristics of SL canister 10 to be tested when watertight cap 22 is in the closed position prior to submersion of canister 10. By comparison, pressure relief valve 42 vents gas flow from storage cavity 20 to the exterior of SL canister 10 if the pressure within storage cavity 20 should surpass a predetermined upper threshold due to, for example, combustion of an electrical or chemical component (e.g., a lithium ion battery) included within UUV 12. In so doing, pressure relief valve 42 prevents the pressure within storage cavity 20 from accumulating to undesirably high levels and, thus, helps render SL canister 10 handsafe. In one embodiment, vacuum port 40 and pressure relief valve 42 each assume the form of a spring-loaded poppet valve.

[0017] SL canister 10 further includes a remotely-triggered deployment system 44, which is configured to carry-out the launch of UUV 12 pursuant to receipt of a wireless launch signal, such as an acoustic launch signal. Deployment system 44 may be configured to initiate launch of UUV 12 upon or immediately after receipt of an acoustic launch signal. Alternatively, deployment system 44 may be configured to initiate launch of UUV 12 after elapse of a predetermined time period commencing upon receipt of the acoustic launch signal. As a still further possibility, deployment system 44 may initiate launch of UUV 12 at a time period subsequent to receipt of the acoustic launch signal and specified by the acoustic launch signal. In each of the foregoing instances, remotely-triggered deployment system 44 initiates deployment of UUV 12 in response to receipt of a wireless launch signal.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, remotely-triggered deployment system 44 includes a controller 46, a power supply 54 (e.g., one or more lithium ion batteries), and a propellant device 56. In addition, deployment system 44 includes at least one wireless sensor, which, in the illustrated example, assumes the form of an acoustic sensor 50 having at least one microphone 52. Controller 46 includes a first input, which is coupled to an output of acoustic sensor 50; a first output, which is coupled to an input of cap release mechanism 30 (indicated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 58); and a second output, which is coupled to the input of a component included within propellant device 56 (e.g., valve actuator 60, described below). Controller 46 can include any suitable number of individual microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmed arrays, memories, and other standard components known in the art. In addition, controller 46 may perform or cooperate with any number of programs or instructions designed to analyze acoustic signals received via acoustic sensor 50 and to carry-out various versions of the launch sequence described below. Acoustic sensor 50 may comprise any device suitable for detecting an acoustic launch signal, as described more fully below in conjunction with FIGs. 2-4. [0019] In certain embodiments, an activation switch 48 may be coupled to a second input of controller 46 to enable controller 46, and more generally deployment system 44, to be powered-up immediately prior to positioning on the seafloor. Activation switch 48 may comprise a device (e.g., a saltwater switch) that automatically determines when SL canister 10 has been submerged within an ocean or other body of water. This notwithstanding, activation switch 48 preferably assumes the form of a manual switch that can be actuated by a diver immediately prior to diver-emplacement or by other military personnel immediately prior to jettison from a surface ship, a submarine, an aircraft, or similar vehicle. In one embodiment, activation switch 48 assumes the form of a pull plug that can be easily removed by a diver operating in adverse maritime conditions (e.g., low ambient light, Sea States approaching or exceeding Code 3, etc.) and wearing diver's gloves, a diver's mask, and other scuba gear.

[0020] Propellant device 56 can assume any form, and may include any number of structural elements or components (e.g., springs, explosive Cartridge Actuated Devices, etc.), suitable for ejecting UUV 12 from storage cavity 20 and through open end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14 at the desired time of deployment. In a preferred embodiment, propellant device 56 includes a pressurized gas reservoir containing a gas or a gas mixture that can be released into storage cavity 20 to propel UUV 12 therefrom. In the illustrated example, specifically, propellant device 56 includes a valve actuator 60, a flow control valve 62, and a pressurized gas reservoir 64 having an external fill port 66. A first flow passage 68 fluidly couples storage cavity 20 to flow control valve 62, which is, in turn, fluidly coupled to pressurized gas reservoir 64 by a second flow passage 69. External fill port 66 enables a diver or other military personnel to fill pressurized gas reservoir 64 with a gas (e.g., oxygen) or gas mixture (e.g., carbon dioxide) prior to positioning of SL canister 10 on the seafloor. By enabling pressurized gas reservoir 64 to be filled immediately prior to placement of SL canister 10, SL canister 10 can remain "de-energized" during primary transport and thereby help render SL canister 10 handsafe. Pressurized gas reservoir 64 conveniently assumes the form of a hollow cylindrical or annular metal body mounted to or around lower end portion 18 of pressure vessel 14. In this case, deployment system 44 may comprise a separate module mounted to pressure vessel 14 adjacent pressurized gas reservoir 64, as generally illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4 (described below). [0021] Flow control valve 62 normally resides in a closed position wherein valve 62 prevents gas flow from pressurized gas reservoir 64, through flow passage 68, and into storage cavity 20. When commanded by controller 46, valve actuator 60 moves flow control valve 62 into an open position. More specifically, valve actuator 60 may move a valve element included within flow control valve 62 from a position that generally blocks gas flow through the flow passage of valve 62 to a position that permits gas flow through the flow passage of valve 62. Alternatively, valve actuator 60 may puncture, rupture, or otherwise break a sealing element (e.g., a diaphragm, a rupture disc, etc.) included within flow control valve 62 to enable gas flow through valve 62. When flow control valve 62 is opened in this manner, pressurized gas rapidly flows from pressurized gas reservoir 64 into storage cavity 20 to propel UUV 12 therefrom. Valve actuator 60 may comprise any device suitable for moving flow control valve 62 into an open position upon command by controller 46 to allow pressurized gas flow from pressurized gas reservoir 64 into main storage cavity 20 in this manner. In one embodiment, actuator 60 assumes the form of a solenoid electrically coupled to controller 46.

[0022] When deployment system 44 is powered-up (e.g., via actuation of switch 48), controller 46 receives input data from acoustic sensor 50 indicative of acoustic noises detected by microphone 52. Operating in a quiescent listening mode, controller 46 analyzes the input data received from acoustic sensor 50 to determine when and if the acoustic launch signal is detected by, for example, comparison to one or more signal templates stored within a memory associated with controller 46 (not shown). The acoustic launch signal may be an encoded signal emitted by a command source, such as a nearby command vessel. Alternatively, the acoustic launch signal may be the acoustic signature of a specific type of surface ship or submarine. When determining that an acoustic launch signal is detected, controller 46 initiates launch of UUV 12. The launch sequence carried-out by controller 46, and more generally by deployment system 44, will inevitably vary in conjunction with the structural features and functionalities of SL canister 10; however, to provide a non-limiting example, an exemplary launch sequence that may be performed by deployment system 44 is described below in conjunction with STEP 86 of method 70 (FIG. 2).

[0023] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 70 for the deployment of a waterborne object, such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicle 12 shown in FIG. 1. For ease of explanation, exemplary method 70 will be described in conjunction with the above- described exemplary embodiment of SL canister 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and further illustrated in FIGs. 3 and 4. It is, however, emphasized that exemplary method 70 may be carried-out utilizing embodiments other than the illustrated exemplary embodiment of Submerged Launch canister 10, which may vary in structural features and functionalities. Similarly, exemplary method 70 is presented by way of example only, and further embodiments of method 70 may include additional steps, may omit certain steps, or may perform steps in an order different than that shown in FIG. 2 and described herein below.

[0024] To commence method 70 (STEP 72, FIG. 2), SL canister 10 is transported to the desired location of deployment. SL canister 10 can be transported to the desired location of deployment utilizing any combination of vehicles and personnel, including one or more surface boats, submarines, flooded vehicles, aircraft, and military divers. As one specific example, a submarine or surface boat may first transport SL canister 10 and at least one diver to a waypoint nearby the designated location of deployment. SL canister 10 may then be loaded onto an intermediary vehicle, such as a second surface boat or a diver-operated flooded vehicle (e.g., a SEAL delivery vehicle). The diver may then navigate the intermediary vehicle toward the designated location of deployment, halt the intermediary vehicle prior to reaching the designated location of deployment, unload SL canister 10 from the intermediary vehicle, and swim SL canister 10 to the designated location of the deployment.

[0025] After being transported to the desired location of deployment (STEP 72, FIG. 2), SL canister 10 is placed in a launch-ready state (STEP 74, FIG. 2). For example, in embodiments wherein SL canister 10 includes a manual activation switch (e.g., activation switch 48 shown in FIG. 1), the activation switch may be actuated by a diver or other military personnel (e.g., if activation switch 48 includes a pull plug, the diver may remove the pull plug). Additionally, in embodiments wherein propellant device 56 comprises a pressurized gas reservoir (e.g., gas reservoir 64 shown in FIG. 1) intended to be filled immediately prior to entrenchment of SL canister 10, a diver may fill the pressurized gas reservoir with a gas or gas mixture while the diver remains underwater and before swimming to the deployment location utilizing, for example, a spare oxygen tank carried by the diver or by an intermediary vehicle (e.g., a SEAL delivery vehicle). Alternatively, military personnel aboard a surface boat, submarine, or aircraft may fill the pressurized gas reservoir with a gas or gas mixture prior to jettison of SL canister 10 into the surrounding body of water.

[0026] SL canister 10 is next positioned or implanted on the seafloor (STEP 76, FIG. 2). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 by arrow 78 and waterline 80, SL canister 10 may be jettisoned from a surface boat, submarine, or aircraft and then allowed to sink to the seafloor. In other embodiments, SL canister 10 may be emplaced by a diver at a desired location on the seafloor, possibly after the diver has navigated a flooded vehicle (e.g., a SEAL delivery vehicle) to the desired location of deployment as previously described. FIG. 4 illustrates SL canister 10 after positioning of SL canister 10 on the seafloor. In embodiments wherein SL canister 10 includes a stand member, such as stand member 32 shown in FIG. 4, the stand member elevates the open end portion of pressure vessel 14 from the seafloor (represented in FIG. 4 by line 34) to ensure that UUV 12 is propelled away from the seafloor during launch.

[0027] After being placed in a launch-ready state (STEP 74, FIG. 2) and positioned on the seafloor (STEP 76, FIG. 2) in the above-described manner, deployment system 44 awaits reception of the wireless launch signal (STEP 82, FIG. 2). Depending, in part, upon the energy storage capabilities of power supply 54, deployment system 44 may be capable of remaining in a quiescent listening mode for a duration of several weeks. In embodiments wherein deployment system 44 is equipped with one or more acoustic sensors (e.g., acoustic sensor 50 shown in FIG. 1), the wireless launch signal may be an acoustic command signal emitted from a nearby command source (e.g., a surface ship or submarine) or, instead, the acoustic signature of a target vessel.

[0028] Next, at STEP 84 (FIG. 2), an acoustic (or other wireless) launch signal is transmitted to and received by deployment system 44. In particular, controller 46 detects acoustic sounds utilizing acoustic sensor 50 and, when determining that the acoustic sounds correspond to a predetermined acoustic template stored within a memory associated with controller 46 (not shown), controller 46 initiates the launch sequence of UUV 12 (STEP 86,

FIG. 2). Although the launch sequence will vary depending upon the particular structural features and functionalities of SL canister 10, in one embodiment of the launch sequence, controller 46 first commands or otherwise causes cap release mechanism 30 to release watertight cap 22 from the closed position (FIGs. 1 and 3). FIG. 4 illustrates SL canister 10 after watertight cap 22 has rotated into the open position. Controller 46 then commands valve actuator 60 to move flow control valve 62 into an open position to enable gas flow from pressurized gas reservoir 64, through flow passage 69, through flow control valve 62, through flow passage 68, and into storage cavity 20. As indicated in FIG. 4 by arrow 88, the pressurized gas flowing into storage cavity 20 propels UUV 12 through open end portion 16 and into the surrounding body of water. Now deployed, UUV 12 may perform surveillance or other functionalities in accordance with predetermined mission parameters.

[0029] In embodiments wherein UUV 12 is non-active or operates in a quiescent mode prior to deployment, UUV 12 is preferably configured to be activated during deployment or immediately thereafter. For example, UUV 12 may include a switch, such as a magnetic switch or other switch (e.g., a pull switch tethered to SL canister 10 by a lanyard), which is actuated during launch of UUV 12. Alternatively, and as a second example, UUV 12 may include a saltwater switch, which activates UUV 12 upon saltwater exposure. In still further embodiments, such as in embodiments wherein UUV 12 is not fully autonomous and operates in a quiescent listening mode prior to full activation, UUV 12 may include a receiver or a transceiver that permits UUV 12 to be remotely activated via transmission of a wireless (e.g., acoustic) activation signal transmitted subsequent to the wireless launch signal.

[0030] The foregoing has thus provided at least one exemplary embodiment of a deployment device (i.e., a submerged launch canister) for the remotely-initiated deployment water borne object, such as an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. Notably, the above- described exemplary launch canister is cost-effective, scalable, handsafe, rugged, relatively straightforward to operate, and consequently well-suited for in-field usage by military personnel, including military divers operating in potentially adverse maritime conditions (e.g., low ambient light, Sea States approaching or exceeding Code 3, etc.). In addition, the above-described exemplary launch canister enables an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (or other waterborne object) to be pre-positioned at a desired location of deployment and wirelessly activated at a subsequent time to maximize autonomous operational longevity, and thereby increase the mission capabilities, of the remotely-deployed Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. [0031] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set-forth in the appended Claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A submerged launch canister for deployment of a waterborne object, the submerged launch canister comprising:

a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein; and

a remotely-triggered deployment system coupled to the pressure vessel and configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

2. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 1 wherein the remotely- triggered deployment system comprises:

a wireless sensor;

a propellant device; and

a controller operably coupled to the wireless sensor and to the propellant device, the controller configured to actuate the propellant device in response to receipt of a wireless launch signal.

3. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 2 wherein the wireless sensor comprises an acoustic sensor.

4. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 2 further comprising a manual activation switch coupled to the controller and accessible from the exterior of the submerged launch canister.

5. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 2 wherein the propellant device comprises a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity.

6. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 5 wherein the propellant device further comprises a fill port fluidly coupled to the pressurized gas reservoir and manually accessible from the exterior of the submerged launch canister.

7. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 6 further comprising:

a flow control valve fluidly coupled between the pressurized gas reservoir and the storage cavity, the flow control valve normally residing in a closed position wherein the flow control valve substantially prevents pressurized gas flow from the pressurized gas reservoir to the storage cavity; and

an actuator operably coupled to the flow control valve and to the controller, the controller configured to command the actuator to move the flow control valve into an open position pursuant to receipt of the wireless launch signal.

8. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 2 further comprising a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealingly engages the open end portion.

9. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 8 wherein the watertight cap is biased toward the open position, and wherein the submerged launch canister further comprises a cap release mechanism operably coupled to the controller and configured to maintain the watertight cap in the closed position until actuated by the controller.

10. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 1 further comprising a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the storage cavity.

11. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve fluidly coupled to the storage cavity and configured to vent gas from the storage cavity when the pressure therein surpasses a predetermined threshold.

12. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 1 wherein the submerged launch canister is configured to sink in a body of saltwater and to come rest on a seafloor in an at least partially upright position.

13. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 12 further comprising a stand member mounted to the pressure vessel and configured to elevate the open end portion from the seafloor.

14. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 13 wherein the stand member comprises a deployment ring disposed around the pressure vessel proximate the open end portion.

15. A submerged launch canister, comprising:

a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity;

a waterborne object stored within the storage cavity; and

an acoustically-triggered deployment system configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity and through the open end portion pursuant to receipt of an acoustic launch signal.

16. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 15 wherein the waterborne object comprises an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle.

17. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 16 wherein the acoustically- triggered deployment system comprises:

an acoustic sensor;

a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity; and a controller operably coupled to the acoustic sensor and to the pressurized gas reservoir, the controller configured to actuate the pressurized gas reservoir in response to receipt of the acoustic launch signal by the acoustic sensor.

18. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 15 wherein the acoustic launch signal is a predetermined launch signal transmitted from a command source.

19. A submerged launch canister according to Claim 15 wherein the acoustic launch signal is the acoustic signature of a vessel.

20. A submerged launch canister for deployment of a waterborne object, the submerged launch canister comprising:

a pressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein; and a watertight cap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealingly engages the open end portion to prevent the ingress of water into the storage cavity;

a cap release mechanism coupled to the pressure vessel and configured to maintain the watertight cap in the closed position until actuation;

an acoustic sensor coupled to the pressure vessel; and

a controller operably coupled to the acoustic sensor and to the cap release mechanism, the controller configured to actuate the cap release mechanism when an acoustic launch signal is detected by the acoustic sensor.