Abstract:
An inflatable member projectile comprising: a projectile body having one end more buoyant than the other; an inflatable roll for vessel-immobilising; an inflation gas bottle at the less buoyant end of the body for inflating the inflatable roll and a cradle for supporting the roll in an orientation such that the inflatable roll unrolls in a generally pre-determined deployment direction, i.e. with the projectile floating with the less buoyant end down corresponding with their orientation. The cradle comprises a number of radiating channels, each locating one inflatable roll. Each roll has a serpentine portion in the bottom of its channel, for assisting in lifting the roll over a closed end of the channel. The cradle has a lifter for lifting the rolls up out of the cradle, actuated by the inflation gas.
Abstract:
A visual indicator assembly for use with an underwater mine system comprises a surface position marker (11) having a buoyancy device (23), the marker (11) being adapted to provide visual and/or audible indications on the surface that a mine has been "fired". The assembly further comprises a support device (13) for supporting the marker (11) underwater and a severable coupling (37) which, when severed, releases the marker (11) to float to the surface. The assembly further comprises a release means selectively operable to sever the coupling (37) and to release the marker (11) to float to the surface.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for guiding and increasing the effect of underwater detonation of an underwater explosive body, characterized in that a hollow space is defined adjacent the explosive body on the side thereof facing the target, whereby upon detonation of the explosive body, gases of high density are generated in the hollow space which are accelerated to high speed prior to meeting with the surrounding water.
Abstract:
1. A surface seeking underwater demolition device capable of being ejected from a torpedo tube for blasting a passageway in an ice pack to allow an underwater craft to surface comprising a casing, a float removably attached to one end of said casing, said float causing the device to be buoyant so that it will rise to the underside of the ice pack, guide fins removably attached to the other end of said casing, a copious quantity of explosives located in said casing, a hydrostatically actuated switch in said casing, delay means actuated by said hydrostatic switch for delaying operation of said device a short period of time, a source of electrical power connected to one side of said delay means, an electro-responsive squib connected between the other side of said delay means and said source of electrical power, a releasing pistol located on said casing with said squib mounted therein, a connecting cable normally holding said float to said casing and passing through said releasing pistol, a cutter located in said releasing pistol for cutting said connecting cable when operated by said squib to release said float, a standoff cable attached to said casing and said float for suspending said casing at a depth of several feet below said float, an electrical switch, pressure sensitive means for determining when the casing has been suspended below said float and for closing said electrical switch, and detonating means connected to said source of electrical power by said electrical switch for detonating the quantity of explosives.
Abstract:
Control apparatus for separating a mine casing from its anchor having a series of switches located in an explosive programmer which activates a main power source for the mine. The power source is serially connected to a normally open explosive switch in the explosive programmer, a hydrostatic pressure responsive switch, an electrically energizable explosive casing release, a tilt switch which is normally open whenever the mine is not vertically oriented, and a normally closed explosive switch also in the explosive programmer for sterilizing the system by opening after a predetermined time period.
Abstract:
A reaction container has contains an amount of a water reactive material and a volume of water within the confined space of its interior. The water reactive material, which contains aluminum, is formed as two separate and spaced apart portions. The water is located between the two portions of the water reactive material. A detonation mechanism, which is configured to mix the amount of water reactive material and the volume of water, is provided in communication with each portion of the water reactive material. The volume of water and the aluminum in the water reactive material are stoichiometrically balanced.