WO2012123002A1

WO2012123002A1 - Device for monitoring and/or defence purposes in the maritime field

Info

Publication number: WO2012123002A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/002007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urban THÖNI; Dominic Brunner; Raffael Meier; Petter KARAL; Trond Kjetil Nodberg; Sirgurd RAMSLIE; Douglas J. BENSON; David G. DOUGLAS
Original assignee: Rheinmetall Air Defence Ag; Seatower As; Lamprell Energy Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-11
Filing date: 2011-04-20
Publication date: 2012-09-20

Abstract

Provision is made for a platform (1) according to the invention to be able to be installed at the intended site thereof without the aid of floating cranes or helicopters. The intended site in the vicinity of the installations to be protected, such as maritime oil fields, oil-producing installations or wind farms, should also be selected to be dependent on the range of the installed sensors and defence devices. The platform (1) can be installed on the sea bottom, with it subsequently being possible to lift this platform (1) again and put it into operation again at another intended site. Nor are any floating cranes or helicopters needed for this new positioning. The platform (1) according to the invention is stable in all states: during the floating phase to the intended site and equally during the use phase after installation on the sea bottom. The design of the platform (1) is selected such that it is suitable over a wide range of water depths, for example for depths between ten and thirty metres, but equally also for other water depths.

Description

description

Equipment for observation and / or defense purposes in the maritime environment

The invention relates to a device for observation and defense purposes in the marine environment, in particular for the protection of vital facilities at sea or in coastal regions such as wind farms, oil and gas conveyor or Verladeeinrichtungen and the like. In particular, the invention relates to an ocean-bottom rooftop platform having observation and defense facilities thereon and a method for reversibly installing an observation and defense platform.

Maritime defense facilities are basically known from the prior art. Thus, GB 55 84 55 discloses a buoyant structure, the upper part of which projects beyond the surface of the water and which has openings for observations as well as for the firing by guns. A lower part lies below the water surface and contains space for ballast tanks, pumping facilities and crew quarters. On the outside stabilizing surfaces are provided, which also support the control of the device. GB 55 84 84 also discloses a buoyant structure as an armor carrier in which the upper, open and over the water surface protruding part carries a rotatable about the vertical axis gun for firing in each direction. Since the guns are located in floating facilities, they are subject to the influence of the waves. Thus, a precise aiming and alignment of the weapon is not possible.

Furthermore, from the prior art on the seabed reversibly anchored floating platforms are known. GB 2 376 442, for example, discloses a self-propelled, militarily usable floating platform from which four stilts penetrating vertically beneath the ground can be lowered hydraulically, so that the platform can be lowered and anchored on the seabed near the coast. On deck helicopter landing pads, cranes, residential and supply containers and other structures are provided. For a universal, militarily useful area of use, the lowerable supports are relatively long and in some cases extend beyond the cover surface during a transport phase and, in particular, in a set-down state. This hampers these supports the panoramic view over deck. A mission as an observation and defense

CONFIRMATION COPY It is not possible to use a platform as it requires the most complete visibility possible for sensors and effectors, ie cannons and / or rockets. In addition, this self-propelled device is very complex and expensive.

Furthermore, platforms are known from the prior art, which are brought in a compact geometry to a site and deployed at the planned anchoring to a new geometry. Thus, US Pat. No. 6,564,741 discloses a buoyant unit, on the underside of which telescopic stilts are attached. At the lower end of the stilts are each one or more buoyancy bodies and bodies that can carry ballast material. During transport, the telescopic stilts are retracted and the structure floats with the upper platform at the water surface. Once the site is reached, the telescopic structure is driven out below the water surface to a desired length and then dropped the ballast. As a result, the buoyancy bodies gain influence and the upper platform rises to the desired level above the water surface. This structure is fixed by ropes with a number of ground anchors. Although this structure is easy to deploy and put into operation, it is exposed to swell and flow as a floating structure and therefore can not be used for observation and defense purposes.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple and cost-effective platform for observation and defense purposes, which can be easily moved from a mounting location to their site near the coast and there preferably anchored to the seabed.

The problem is solved by the features of claim 1 and the claims 9 and 12. Advantageous embodiments are shown in the subclaims.

It is envisaged that the inventive platform can be installed without the help of floating cranes or helicopters or the like at their destination. The place of destination in the vicinity of the protected facilities such as maritime oil fields, oil production facilities or wind farms also has to be selected depending on the range of installed sensors and defense equipment. The platform can be installed on the seabed and subsequently it is possible to resume this platform and put it back into service at another destination. Also for this repositioning, no floating cranes or helicopters are needed. The platform according to the invention is stable in all states: during the swimming phase to the destination and also during the deployment phase after installation on the seabed. The design of the platform is chosen to be suitable for a wide range of water depths, for example for depths between ten to thirty meters, but also for other water depths. It is provided for all illustrated embodiments that the platform and its components are manufactured in facilities on land and at least partially mounted. The final assembly of outriggers, central pillar and main deck will be on the coast in a suitable assembly facility, such as a dry dock, or the platform will be towed into the water after assembly via cranes. Although the sensors and effectors of the platform are much more sensitive to mechanical stress than the platform itself, they are air-transportable. Depending on the location of use, it may therefore be useful, for example, to transport the effectors and / or the sensors after setting up the platform by helicopter.

The platform according to the invention has the following advantages:

• It provides a stable foundation for sensors and / or weapon systems

• if necessary, rapid re-localization of the platform is possible

• No special ships are required for installation and re-localization

• The recreation room for crews is explosion-proof, and an emergency response system inside the central pillar is also possible

The inventive platform is robust against asymmetric attacks from speed boats or with improvised explosive devices (lEDs)

• Access for unauthorized persons is restricted

• maximum visual and effective range due to suitable arrangement of sensors and effectors

The platform is thus suitable to carry one or more sensors and effectors and to provide them with a sufficiently stable basis for use. It is also a cost effective and simple method of reversibly anchoring the platform.

The invention therefore comprises a marine observation observation and defense device, comprising a first base element which can be lowered below the water surface to the seabed, an extended support structure connected to the base element, which is deployed upwardly from the base structure includes a cover structure mounted to the support structure at a movable distance from the base structure and configured to provide stabilizing buoyancy to the device during transport and installation against water floating parts of the device. Reference to an embodiment with drawing, the invention will be explained in more detail. It shows:

1 is a schematic side view (FIG. 1a) and a plan view (FIG. 1b) of the platform according to the invention in the installed insert configuration, FIG.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view (Fig. 2a) and a plan view (Fig. 2b) d

the platform according to the invention in the transport configuration,

Fig. 3a shows a detail of the height adjustment at the boom ends of the platform according to the invention and in

3b is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of Fig. 3a,

4a shows a height drive for the main platform along the middle day column,

4b shows a sectional view along line A-A from FIG. 4a and FIG. 4c shows a perspective view of the height drive,

5a shows a typical arrangement of the components on the upper deck of the platform,

Fig. 5b shows a typical arrangement of utilities within the upper deck.

Fig. 6a to 6h the flow of the installation phase of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 7a to 7f the flow of de-installation phase for the displacement of the platform.

Fig. 1a shows a side view (arrow A of Fig. 1 b) of the platform with multiple arms 2, a central column 3, to which the main deck 4 is fixed at a variable height. The boom 2 carry in the region of their outer ends receptacle 5 for ballast or height compensation devices. Several ballast tanks 6 are preferably provided on the level of the boom 2. The platform construction 1 stands with its central column 3 and / or its receptacle 5 on the seabed 7 and the main deck is fixed at a certain height above the mean water level 8. The components are made from seawater-resistant materials, e.g. Made of stainless steel or fiber-reinforced plastics or layer materials. In particular, the main deck 4, the central column 3 and the boom 2 with the receptacles 5 are at least partially designed as a hollow body and can be filled via suitable valve and pumping units with seawater partially or completely and the seawater are also let out again, for example via the Blowing in compressed air. The observation and defense facilities are located on and within the main deck 4. In the main deck 4 and in the central column 3 shelters are provided in attacks on the platform 1 (not shown).

FIG. 2 a shows a side view (arrow A of FIG. 2 b) of the platform 1 according to the invention in a transport configuration in which the platform is provided, for example, by one or more Tractor (not shown) can be towed by a shipyard to the intended site. In this case, the main deck 4 has been moved along the central column 3 in the vicinity of the lower boom 2 and the level of the individual units with seawater is balanced so that the platform 1 protrudes partially from the sea surface 8. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 b, the receptacles 5 are continued as integrated extensions of the arms 2 and the ballast tanks 6 are made circular around the central column 3. The receptacle 5 carry height compensation devices 9, with the help of the ends of the boom 2 can be pushed or lifted from the seabed. It is directly understandable to the person skilled in the art that the cavities mentioned in FIGS. 2 and 3 can also be subdivided several times, as far as this appears advantageous in terms of design and manufacturer.

Fig. 3a shows the column-distal end of the boom 2 with receptacle 5 according to the embodiment of Fig. 2. Centrally arranged in this embodiment, the height compensation device 9 and optionally another chamber 10, which is filled with a dietary fiber such as gravel, sand or concrete. In addition, this fiber provides the necessary weight to install platform 1 on unprepared seabed of varying density and rigidity. 3b shows the sectional drawing along the line A-A from Fig. 3a with the end of the boom 2 and height compensation device 9. This consists of a hydraulic cylinder 11, which can push out an extendable punch 12 from the receptacle 5. In the installed state of the platform 1, the punch 12 can be pushed down from the receptacle 5, so that in this case the punch 12 is present with its lower surface on the seabed. The height compensation device is used to compensate for sloping or uneven seabed conditions.

The lifting mechanism of the main deck 4 with respect to the central column 3 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4a-c. Fig. 4a is a sectional view taken along line BB of Fig. 4b. On the wall of the central column 3, one or more basically known racks 13 are fixed, in each of which one or more drive pinion 14 engage. These drive pinions 14 are driven by electric motors 15. Drive pinion 14 and electric motors 15 are mounted in a unit located within the main deck 4, so that during operation of the electric motors 15, the main deck 4 can be moved relative to the beams 2 along the central column 3. Electric motors 15, drive pinion 14, racks 13 and a corresponding control are basically known from the prior art, so that they will not be explained further here. 4 b shows a sectional view along the line AA of FIG. 4 a and allows a plan view of the double-walled design of central pillar 3 and main deck 4 including the drive components toothed racks 13, drive pinions 14 and electric motors 15. In the area of the drive pinions 14 is a Splash guard 16 against sea water provided. Fig. 4c is a side view of the drive unit taken along line CC of Fig. 4a. Around the central pillar 3 is the main deck arranged around. The drive pinion 14 engage in the rack 13 and thus allow an offset of the main deck along the axis of the central column. 3

The configuration of the components for observation and defense purposes is shown in Figures 5a-b. The central column 3 pierces the main deck 4 centrally. On the upper deck are positioned effectors 16 consisting of guns with optional guided missile launchers. A sensor unit 17 and a Seeradar 18 serve the position detection. The radio mast 19 is operated via a communication unit 20. Generator 21 and ammunition depot 22 supplement the superstructures. The main deck contains hatches 23 and a staircase 24, the levels of the main deck 4 are connected. In the lower level, workshop 25, operating room 26, storage 27, and energy conversion and distribution facilities 28 are provided. Further components, not shown, are provided, e.g. other weapon systems such as guided missiles, rockets, self-propelled torpedoes or other observers and sensors, e.g. acoustic sensors or equipment for reconnaissance of the underwater position. The effectors 16 sweep the full azimuth and are arranged in the illustrated configuration such that the uncovered solid angle is minimal. The configuration shown in FIGS. 5a-b represents only one possibility for designing the platform 1 according to the invention. It is possible within the scope of this invention to provide further variants and embodiments. Thus, the effectors 16 may also be positioned opposite each other with respect to the central axis 3, or more than two effectors may be provided at appropriate locations. Furthermore, the main deck 4 may provide several intermediate decks for accommodating crews, supplies and peripherals. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the platform 1 is not dependent on permanently engaged operating personnel, but can be controlled by a remote higher-level command unit, at least for a limited time.

Fig. 6 ah shows a sequence of the inventive method for installing the platform 1 on the seabed. The individual steps are supported by the targeted flooding of parts of the overall structure with ballast and in particular with seawater. The flooded parts in each step are dark colored. In this embodiment, an inclination of the seabed of 3 ° with respect to the sea level is assumed. Fig. 6a shows the positioning in phase 1. The platform 1 is pulled into position by suitable means, such as one or more tractors. To increase the stability, the main deck 4 rests on the arms 2 during transport. Fig. 6b shows in Phase 2 the beginning of the installation, wherein the immersion of the base formed by the three arms with the opening of a valve (not shown) at the bottom of the central column 3 is rung. It follows the opening of the valves on the bottom of the ballast tanks 6 for the entry of water and the valves on the top of the ballast tanks for the escape of air. In this phase, the stability is ensured by the air-filled main deck 4. To hold the position, two tugs are sufficient. The lowering of the base is controlled by the relative lifting of the main deck according to FIG. 6c. over the base via the racks 13, drive pinion and electric motors 15, with central column 3 and ballast tanks 6 continue to fill with seawater. In phase 4 of FIG. 6d, a first part of the boom 2 touches the seabed 7. FIG. 6e shows phase 5, after which the platform 1 now completely rests on the seabed. In phase 6 of the method according to the invention according to FIG. 6f, one or more hydraulic cylinders 11 will extend punch 12 so far that the main deck 4 is aligned horizontally and the inclination of the seabed or ripples, etc. is compensated. To secure the platform 1, the entire base formed by the arms 2 is flooded with water in phase 7 of Fig. 6g and finally raised in phase 8 of FIG. 6h, the main deck 4 to the desired height above sea level. The valves to the inlet of the seawater and for venting are closed. The valves used are known in the art from the prior art. Location and number of valves are re-selected depending on the application. To further increase the stability, it is envisaged to replace parts of the introduced into the platform 1 seawater with other ballast materials, such as mud, gravel or concrete. Due to the high weight of the platform 1 but this will only be necessary in very rough seas.

The inventive method for de-installation of the platform 1 from the seabed is shown in Figure 7a-f; it consists essentially of the same steps as shown in Fig. 6 - performed in reverse order. In phase 1 of Fig. 7a, first, the main deck 4 is unlocked and the valve of the central column 3 is opened. Using the drive unit of racks 13, drive pinion 14 and electric motors 15, the main deck 4 and lowered in phase 2 of Fig. 7b until it rests on the sea surface or partially immersed. In Fig. 7c of the phase 3, the valves of the ballast tanks 6 are opened and removed by means of compressed air, the ballast water from the base. As soon as sufficient buoyancy is present, the main deck 4 is moved in the direction of the boom 2 in phase 4, FIG. 7d, via the drive unit, so that the platform 1 is released from the seabed and can float freely. Possibly out punch 12 are retracted again. In phase 5, Fig. 7e, the main deck above the base of the arms 2 has come to rest. In phase 6, Fig. 7f, finally, the remaining water from the central column 3 is pressed out by means of compressed air and finally closed all the valves. The platform 1 is ready for transport.

For the platform according to the invention further advantageous embodiments are provided. These concern the static and dynamic stability of the platform 1 and the main deck 4. In order for precise threat detection and targeting to be possible, the absolute position in the space of each sensor unit 17 and arming unit 16 must be high precision on its own and relative to the others Components of a platform system should be known for (whenever possible) monitoring and at any point in time for countering threats. At the same time, the dynamic behavior of the components, such as vibrations induced by the firing of a weapon or the movement of the cannon during target tracking into the platform, must be demonstrated. At the same time, the changes from the standard situation entered from outside into the platform must be recorded, such as deformations caused by inhomogeneous solar radiation over the course of a day or during cloud migration or due to wind pressure and waves.

In further advantageous embodiments, it is therefore provided to detect twists and twisting of the main deck 4 directly. For this purpose, between suitable reference points, for example in the vicinity of the outer corners, a direction-related vector signal (for example perpendicular to the plane of the main deck) is exchanged. This can be done, for example, by the emission of linearly polarized light from a reference point to a second reference point. Between the first, emitting reference point and the second, receiving reference point, a measuring device for the relative rotation of the second reference point is provided around the line connecting the reference points. This can be done in a preferred embodiment by a polarizing filter and a subsequently connected detector. If, due to a platform distortion, the direction of a vertical changes between the two reference points, the linearly polarized light is attenuated as it passes through the polarization filter in a known manner as a function of the angle of rotation, and this attenuation is subsequently determined by the detector. When analyzing the size of the weakening and its time course, it is possible to directly deduce the twisting behavior of the platform level between the reference points. If several reference sections are selected on the platform level, preferably not parallel to one another, the analysis of the detector signals can be used to directly deduce the vibration behavior of the entire platform level and the sensors and armatures mounted thereon.

In a further preferred embodiment of the aforementioned device, the light sensor is a sensor which can additionally resolve the point of impact of the light signal. These sensors are known in principle, for example under the name Quadrantendiode. The time-varying light signal at the individual diodes is recorded and transferred to a computing unit. This makes it possible in this embodiment, in addition to the dynamic twisting behavior around the beam axis and the vibration behavior to detect each perpendicular to the beam axis. The arithmetic unit creates a dynamic oscillation image of the main deck 4 and transfers this information for further processing to the guns 16 associated gun computers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, 4 channels or tubes are provided within the main deck, in which the linearly polarized light signal is protected from the effects of weather. In a further embodiment, the use of polarization-preserving optical waveguides is provided.

Claims

claims

A maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) having a base formed by a number of jibs (2) extending towards and fixed to a central column (3) and substantially perpendicular to the central column (3). 3) oriented and pierced by this main deck (4), characterized in that the main deck (4) by means of a drive means along the central column (3) can be moved.

2. maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device comprises at least one attached to the central column (3) rack into which engages at least one drive pinion (14), which of at least one motor ( 15) is driven and mounted with this on the main deck (4).

3. maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one ballast tank (6) in the plane of the boom (2) is provided, wherein the ballast tank (6) is equipped with valves over which the ballast tank (6) can absorb, hold and release seawater or air.

4. maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least parts of the boom (2) and the central column (3) are formed as hollow bodies, wherein they are equipped with valves, about which of the boom (2) and the central column (3) can absorb, hold and release seawater or air.

5. Maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least part of the boom (2) in the region of the central column (3) facing away from height compensation devices (9) comprise, which a hydraulic cylinder (11) and an extendable punch (12) and wherein the punch (12) is oriented so that it can press in the installed state of the platform (1) on the seabed below the boom (2).

6. maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the effectors (16) and sensors (17, 18) at least partially on the upper side in the installed state of the main deck (4 ) are arranged.

7. Maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in each case between two selected reference points of the main deck (4) a polarized light signal is passed, which immediately before impinging on a spatially resolving detector a polarization filter must penetrate.

8. maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the time-varying detector signal is transmitted substantially continuously to a computing unit, which calculates the dynamic behavior of the main deck (4) and this dynamic behavior then transmitted to the control computer of the effectors (16).

9. A method for installing a maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the initially predominantly air-filled ballast tanks (6) and the central column (3) are filled with seawater and at the same time the main deck ( 4) is moved away from a first position in the vicinity of the boom (2) such that the main deck (4) protrudes with its upper side over the sea surface.

10. A method for installing a maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that after reaching the seabed by the boom (2) the punch (12) of the height compensation device (9) are extended such that the central Column (3) occupies a vertical position.

11. A method for installing a maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the main deck (4) is raised to a certain height above the mean sea level.

12. A method for de-installation of a marine observation and / or defense platform (1) of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: (i) lowering the main deck (4) to rest on the sea surface, (ii) removing the water from the ballast tanks (6) and outriggers (2) with simultaneous movement of the main deck (4) along the central pillar (3) towards the outriggers so that the main deck remains on the water surface and the booms (2) lift off the seabed , and (iii) removing the water from the central column (3).

13. A method for de-installation of a maritime observation and / or defense platform (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that those of the punches (12), which were extended, are confiscated.