U.S. patent application number 13/259389 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for method for controlling a torpedo, torpedo therefor and antenna section of such a torpedo.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sebaldsbrucker Heerstrasse 235. Invention is credited to Axel Brenner.
Application Number | 20120037059 13/259389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42246354 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120037059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brenner; Axel |
February 16, 2012 |
Method for Controlling a Torpedo, Torpedo Therefor and Antenna
Section of Such a Torpedo
Abstract
A method for controlling a torpedo to at least one target. In
order to increase the range of the torpedo, the torpedo, during the
travel thereof to the target, submerges once or several times into
the near-surface region of a water system that is adjacent to the
water surface, wherein, however, the torpedo also remains immersed
in said near-surface region. The torpedo then extends a radio
antenna into a surface region above the water surface and
subsequently receives position data containing target position data
of the target by way of said radio antenna and uses said position
data to head for the target. The invention further relates to a
torpedo comprising an antenna section having an extendable radio
antenna. Further, the invention relates to such an antenna
section.
Inventors: |
Brenner; Axel; (Bremen,
DE) |
Assignee: |
Sebaldsbrucker Heerstrasse
235
Bremen
DE
|
Family ID: |
42246354 |
Appl. No.: |
13/259389 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
April 23, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2010/055475 |
371 Date: |
November 2, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/21.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 7/2246 20130101;
F41G 7/346 20130101; F41G 7/306 20130101; F41G 7/228 20130101; F41G
7/32 20130101; F41G 7/008 20130101; F42B 19/01 20130101; F41G 7/36
20130101; F42B 19/10 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/21.2 |
International
Class: |
F42B 19/10 20060101
F42B019/10; F42B 19/06 20060101 F42B019/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 2, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 019 790.7 |
Claims
1. A method for steering a torpedo (1) to at least one target (Z),
wherein the torpedo (1) surfaces one or more times in the area of a
waterway (4) close to the surface and adjacent to the water surface
during its journey to the target (Z), wherein the torpedo (1) also
remains submerged, however, in this area close to the surface and
extends a radio antenna (10) into an above-water area above the
water surface, wherein the torpedo (1) then receives position data
via the radio antenna (10), which position data has target position
data relating to the target and is transmitted to the torpedo (1)
from a land-based, airborne or seaborne control center (12), and
uses this position data in order to steer to the target (Z).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torpedo (1) is
fitted with a torpedo sonar (19) with a limited detection range and
is launched outside a so-called target detection area (42) which is
determined by the detection range around a target (Z), within which
target detection area (42) the detection range is sufficient to
detect the target (Z), and wherein the torpedo (1) is steered to
the target (Z) by means of the torpedo sonar (19) on reaching a
target region (37) which is located within the target detection
area (42).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position data is
used to determine own position data for the torpedo (1) which is
obtained by means of a satellite-based, airborne, land-based and/or
seaborne navigation system, and this own position data is used to
correct the own course of the torpedo (1).
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the torpedo (1) has a
radio receiver, which receives via the radio antenna (10), as well
as a radio transmitter, which transmits via the radio antenna (10),
wherein the position data is transmitted via a bidirectional radio
data link (9), which is passed via one or more satellite-based,
land-based, airborne and/or seaborne relay stations (11).
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the torpedo (1)
transmits current and/or previously stored sonar data from the
torpedo sonar (19) via the radio data link (9) to the control
center (12).
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the torpedo (1) is
launched from a land-based deployment system (3).
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target position
data is obtained from land-based, airborne and/or seaborne radar
surveillance and/or visual surveillance and/or hydroacoustic
surveillance.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein waypoints for its
route to the target (Z) are signaled to the torpedo (1) and/or are
transmitted by radio, which waypoints are steered to during its
journey.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control center
(12) makes a target selection during the journey of the torpedo
when surveillance identifies a plurality of targets instead of one
previously assumed single target (Z), and the control center (12)
signals a selected target to the torpedo (1), which target the
torpedo (1) has to attack.
10. A torpedo having an extendable radio antenna (10) and a radio
receiver for reception of position data, further comprising a
control section (25) for guiding the torpedo to a target, by means
of which control signals for controlling control surfaces (30) of
the torpedo (1) can be produced for course and depth determination
of the torpedo (1), and an antenna section (31), which has the
extendable radio antenna (10) and the radio receiver, wherein the
radio receiver is designed to receive position data which has
target position data relating to the target, which position data is
transmitted to the torpedo (1) from a land-based, airborne or
seaborne control center (12) and can be supplied to the control
section (25).
11. The torpedo as claimed in claim 10, wherein the antenna section
(31) has a receiving part for a satellite-based, airborne,
land-based and/or seaborne navigation system, which is designed in
order to determine own position data from the received position
data, wherein the torpedo (1) is designed to determine course
correction data for correction of an own course to a target from
the own position data.
12. The torpedo as claimed in claim 10, wherein the antenna section
(31) is lighter than the water to be displaced by it, in particular
seawater.
13. A launching apparatus having a torpedo as claimed in claim 10,
wherein the torpedo (1) is accommodated in the launching apparatus
for launching the torpedo (1), wherein the launching apparatus has
a container (2), which can be moved on land, for transporting the
torpedo (1), and the container (2) has a deployment system (3) for
land-based deployment of the torpedo (1) into a coastal
waterway.
14. An antenna section of a torpedo (1), which is formed from
sections, as claimed in claim 10 having an extendable radio antenna
(10) and a radio receiver for receiving position data which has
target position data relating to a target, which position data is
transmitted to the torpedo (1) from a land-based, airborne or
seaborne control center (12), wherein the antenna section has an
interface which is designed such that the position data can be
supplied to a control section, by means of which control signals
for controlling control surfaces (30) of the torpedo (1) can be
produced for course and depth determination of the torpedo (1).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for steering a torpedo to
at least one target, wherein the torpedo surfaces one or more times
in the area of a waterway close to the surface and adjacent to the
water surface during its journey to the target, wherein the torpedo
also remains submerged, however, in this area close to the surface,
and extends a radio antenna into the above-water area above the
water surface. Furthermore, the invention relates to a torpedo,
which can be controlled remotely using this method, having an
extendable radio antenna and a radio receiver for reception of
position data. A steering method such as this and a corresponding
torpedo are known from DE 601 24 520 T2. The invention also relates
to an antenna section of a torpedo such as this, which is formed
from sections.
[0002] Conventionally, torpedoes are launched from submarines and
are guided to the target by interchanging data via an optical
waveguide between the torpedo and the submarine. For this purpose,
both the torpedo and a cassette, which belongs to the torpedo but
remains in the submarine, each have an optical waveguide spool,
from which the optical waveguide is unwound during the torpedo run
and the submarine movement, respectively.
[0003] However, optical waveguides such as these can be produced
only with a limited length. The ranges of such torpedoes guided by
optical waveguides are therefore limited.
[0004] Furthermore, it is known from EP 0 494 092 A2 for a torpedo
to be allowed to surface into an area close to the surface during
its journey to the target, to unfold an antenna and to receive
steering commands via the radio antenna, which are used for
steering to the target.
[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2006 045 686 B3 discloses an unmanned
underwater vehicle having a radio apparatus which is used for
transmission of surveillance data.
[0006] Furthermore, DE 10 2006 024 858 B4 discloses a method for
transmission of current images of a guided missile to an underwater
vehicle via a permanent optical waveguide link.
[0007] Furthermore, DE 172 245 A describes an underwater moving
body which is controlled from the land or from the water via guide
wires.
[0008] Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,890,919 discloses a launching
apparatus for torpedoes on submarines.
[0009] In the end, the invention is based on the problem of
increasing the range of (remotely) controlled torpedoes.
[0010] The invention solves this problem by means of a method for
steering, in particular remote steering, of a torpedo of the type
mentioned initially, in which the torpedo surfaces one or more
times in the area of a waterway close to the surface and adjacent
to the water surface during its journey to the target, wherein the
torpedo also remains submerged, however, in this area close to the
surface, extends a radio antenna into an above-water area above the
water surface, and then receives position data via the radio
antenna, which position data has target position data relating to
the target and is transmitted to the torpedo from a land-based,
airborne or seaborne control center, and uses this position data in
order to steer to the target.
[0011] Furthermore, the invention solves the problem by means of a
torpedo of the type mentioned initially having a control section
for guiding the torpedo to a target, by means of which control
signals for controlling control surfaces of the torpedo can be
produced for course and depth determination of the torpedo, wherein
the torpedo has an antenna section with an extendable radio antenna
and a radio receiver for receiving position data which has target
position data relating to the target, which position data is
transmitted to the torpedo from a land-based, airborne or seaborne
control center, and the position data can be supplied to the
control section.
[0012] Finally, the invention also solves this problem by the
provision of an antenna section for a torpedo such as this formed
from sections, having an extendable radio antenna and a radio
receiver for receiving position data which has target position
data, wherein the antenna section has an interface which is
designed such that the position data can be supplied to a control
section.
[0013] The control section takes account of the position data to
produce control signals which are presented to control surfaces of
the torpedo in a control-surface section such that the torpedo
travels to the desired target.
[0014] Because of a radio communication device in the torpedo, the
invention allows signals to be transmitted by means of
electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves are normally not used
for transmitting signals in the water since they have only a very
short range in water. However, the invention is based on the
discovery that electromagnetic waves can also be used in a
worthwhile form for remote steering of torpedoes if the torpedo
extends a radio antenna above the water surface while
electromagnetic waves are being transmitted. Electro-magnetic
signals can then be interchanged over long distances via a radio
antenna such as this. Such distances significantly exceed the range
of conventional optical waveguide spools. The use of
electromagnetic waves for steering a torpedo therefore makes it
possible to considerably increase the range of torpedoes. For this
purpose, the invention envisages that the torpedo will surface to
close below the water surface such that the antenna can be extended
above the water surface. The position of the torpedo can be
determined precisely, with the course of the torpedo to the target
being determined precisely, using the position data received by
means of the antenna. The received position data therefore makes it
possible to compensate for any course fluctuations of the torpedo,
which can occur during a phase without external data transmission,
even over long ranges and long distances.
[0015] According to the invention, a further antenna section is
installed for this purpose in a conventional torpedo formed from
sections, which antenna section has the extendable antenna and a
corresponding radio receiver for receiving position data. This
antenna section can be installed in a torpedo formed from sections
with minimal effort, as a result of which there is no need to
completely redesign torpedoes. For this purpose, the antenna
section has an interface which is designed such that the position
data obtained by means of the antenna section can be supplied to a
control section, by means of which control signals for controlling
the torpedo control surfaces can be produced for course and depth
determination of the torpedo.
[0016] The position data advantageously has target position data
relating to the target, which position data is transmitted to the
torpedo from a land-based, airborne or seaborne control center. The
received position data may therefore be or contain data transmitted
from a control center--in addition to or as an alternative to the
position data from a navigation system. This allows changes in the
target position to be transmitted to the torpedo, thus allowing the
target to be tracked even over relatively long torpedo journey
times, and therefore target journey times. This is advantageous
when the target has completed a maneuver and there is therefore a
risk of the target moving out of the expected target region. This
makes it possible to ensure that the target is within the detection
range of the torpedo when the torpedo approaches the target. The
target region, or an expected target region located within the
target region, can therefore be readjusted, making it possible to
take account of target maneuvers while steering to the target. This
is particularly advantageous since long torpedo ranges actually
result in long journey times by the torpedo, which can lead to
significant position changes and possibly also course changes of
the target during the journey time of the torpedo.
[0017] In one preferred embodiment, the torpedo has a torpedo sonar
with a limited detection range, wherein the torpedo is launched
outside a so-called target detection area which is determined
around a target, within which target detection area the detection
range is sufficient to detect the target, and the torpedo is
steered to the target by means of the torpedo sonar on reaching a
target region which is located within the target detection area.
The torpedo's own torpedo sonar is therefore used only in the
target region. This is advantageous because the range of a torpedo
sonar is normally limited, and it is therefore possible to steer
the torpedo on the basis of its own torpedo sonar only in a tightly
constrained area around the target. The torpedo is guided to the
target region by means of the radio antenna and the position data
received via the radio antennas and, on reaching the target region,
the torpedo activates its own torpedo sonar, and then autonomously
finds its target. There is therefore no need for the torpedo to
surface in the vicinity of the target. This is advantageous since
surfacing and extending an antenna increase the risk of radar
detection of the torpedo, even when the torpedo hull is still
submerged.
[0018] In a further special embodiment, the position data has
so-called own position data of the torpedo, that is to say data
from which the torpedo's own position results. This data is
obtained by means of a satellite-based, airborne, land-based and/or
seaborne navigation system, and is used for correction of the
torpedo's own course. This is advantageously GPS navigation data,
that is to say data from a satellite-based global positioning
system. This variant is advantageous since an angle error occurs
with respect to the course of the torpedo while the torpedo is
traveling over a long distance, because of limited accuracy of a
torpedo's own navigation system under water, in particular a
gyrometer or gyroscope. The longer-lasting the journey of a
torpedo, the greater the discrepancy from the desired course
becomes because of the angle error. The torpedo uses the received
position data to determine its own position, in order then to carry
out the necessary course correction.
[0019] In a further special embodiment, the torpedo has not only a
radio receiver for reception via the radio antenna but also a radio
transmitter for transmission via the radio antenna, such that the
position data, in particular target position data or else own
position data, can be transmitted via a bidirectional radio data
link. This radio data link will advantageously be passed via one or
more satellite-based, land, airborne and/or seaborne relay
stations. Thanks to a bidirectional radio data link such as this,
it is possible for a link to be set up between the control center
and the torpedo only when the torpedo has registered with a relay
station. A data interchange is therefore carried out in both
directions for setting up a link, that is to say from the torpedo
to the control center and, conversely, from the control center to
the torpedo. This allows additional special commands to be passed
to the torpedo, such as the command to terminate a mission.
[0020] In a further special embodiment, the torpedo transmits
current and/or previously stored sonar data from the torpedo sonar
via the radio data link to the control center. The control center
therefore receives precise sonar data from a sonar close to the
target, specifically the torpedo sonar, which is useful for
position surveillance in the control center.
[0021] In a further special embodiment, the control center is a
mobile control center which receives targets assigned by a
permanently installed, remote operation center. That is to say the
control center is itself guided by a higher-level operation center,
and then itself guides the torpedo to its target. An organization
such as this having a mobile control center is advantageous since
this allows the control center to be installed quickly, and in
particular to be deployed in the vicinity of the coast. This is
particularly advantageous when the communication between the
control center and the torpedo is passed via land-based, airborne
or seaborne relay stations. This is because any obstructions, such
as mountains, which could adversely affect the communication link,
can thus be bypassed.
[0022] In a further special embodiment, the target position data is
obtained from land-based, airborne and/or seaborne radar and/or
visual surveillance. This allows target position data to be
obtained very precisely and in an up-to-date form as well, to be
precise often more precisely than the data obtained from passive
sonar installations in submarines. The precision of the target data
is thus advantageously increased.
[0023] In a further special embodiment, waypoints for its route to
the target are signaled to the torpedo and/or are transmitted by
radio, which waypoints are then steered to during its journey to
the target. Guidance of a torpedo along waypoints is advantageous
since this allows obstructions, such as islands or other restricted
regions, for example sea lanes for commercial shipping or areas of
jurisdiction of other states, to be bypassed.
[0024] In a further special embodiment, the control center makes a
target selection during the journey of the torpedo when
surveillance identifies a plurality of targets instead of one
previously assumed single target, and the control center signals a
selected target to the torpedo, which target the torpedo has to
attack. This embodiment is advantageous when a plurality of marine
vessels are in a group, in particular also including merchant
vessels, which must not be attacked.
[0025] The antenna section of the torpedo is advantageously lighter
than the water displaced by it, in particular seawater, as a result
of which the antenna section reduces the torpedo's own negative
buoyancy. This is because torpedoes are normally provided with
negative buoyancy, so that they sink to the seabed when the
propulsion system is not running. However, the reduction in the
negative buoyancy reduces the energy required by the torpedo during
its journey, thus allowing greater ranges to be achieved.
[0026] The torpedo is advantageously launched from a land-based
deployment system. For this purpose, the torpedo is accommodated in
a launching apparatus for launching the torpedo, which has a
container, which can be moved on land, for transporting the
container, wherein the container contains a deployment system for
land-based deployment of the torpedo into a coastal waterway.
[0027] This variant is based on the knowledge that torpedoes need
not necessarily be launched from an offshore platform, but this is
also possible by means of a land-based system. A land-based
deployment system is provided for this purpose, by means of which
torpedoes can be deployed into the water directly from land, and
can be launched there. This means that seaborne platforms are
superfluous, thus making it possible to dispense with the use of
costly surface vessels or underwater vessels. This makes it
possible to produce a significantly more cost-effective system for
launching torpedoes which, furthermore, can be used highly flexibly
because of its mobility.
[0028] The deployment system preferably has a cantilever arm which
can be extended from the container, a trolley and a cable, wherein
the trolley can be moved on the cantilever arm, and one of the two
ends of the cable can be connected indirectly or directly to the
torpedo and is passed over the trolley, and its second end is
connected to a drive, by means of which the torpedo can be let into
the water when the cantilever arm is extended and the trolley has
been moved to an outer limit position on the cantilever arm. The
torpedo can therefore be moved out of the container with the aid of
the trolley and the movable cantilever arm, can be let essentially
vertically into the water above the waterway, and can then be
launched.
[0029] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because this
ensures that the torpedo can be deployed in a controlled manner
into the water even in shallow waterways. The torpedo can be
launched even in a shallow water depth, since it can be accelerated
from a stationary, horizontal rest position. This is made possible
by the torpedo being released to a predetermined water depth
essentially vertically and guided on a cable.
[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the deployment system has
a cage for holding the torpedo, wherein the first end of the cable
can be connected to the cage. Because of a cage such as this, the
torpedo does not require any unlatching device in order to
disconnect it from the cable, as would be necessary in the case of
an alternative, direct attachment of the cable to the torpedo.
However, this would first of all lead to sinking and therefore to
vertically directed acceleration of the torpedo. However, because
of the cage, the torpedo can be accelerated horizontally out of the
cage.
[0031] The embodiment as a cage, that is to say with only a few
straps which surround the torpedo, is particularly advantageous
since no air need be displaced when immersing the torpedo, as would
be the case, for example, with a tubular container. Furthermore,
there is also essentially no recoil on the cage during launching of
the torpedo, which would lead to uncontrollable movements of the
cage, and would therefore make it harder to launch the torpedo
horizontally. The use of a cage is therefore also advantageous in
terms of the required water depth. This is because, if a torpedo
with a running propeller were first of all to start a dynamic dive
because of an inclination, a substantially deeper water depth would
be required for launching. However, because of the horizontal
launching orientation of the torpedo, assisted by the cage, even
shallow water depths are sufficient to launch the torpedo.
[0032] In a further special embodiment, the cantilever arm is in
the form of a telescopic cantilever arm with a plurality of
telescope segments. A telescopic cantilever arm such as this allows
longer cantilever arm ranges and therefore a launch position
further away from the shore, where greater water depths can be
expected. The options for use of the launching apparatus are in
this way extended since, therefore, the torpedo can be deployed
into the water even from shores which fall away gradually.
[0033] In a further special embodiment, the container has a
counterweight which is arranged in the area of the end of the
container and is opposite a possibly closeable opening, in
particular a rear opening, for the cantilever arm to move out of.
This embodiment is advantageous with respect to longer cantilever
arm ranges, which have a tendency to cause a greater tilting torque
on the container, with the risk of tilting of the container about a
rear lower edge of the container or about a (rear) axle of a
trailer carrying the container. The counterweight allows a tilting
torque such as this to be counteracted. The counter-weight
therefore allows longer cantilever arm ranges. As already stated
above, this leads, however, to an increased field of use, since the
greater range allows a torpedo to be deployed even in a waterway
which falls away gradually, since greater water depths can be
reached because of the longer cantilever arm range.
[0034] The cantilever arm is advantageously mounted in the upper
area of the container. This allows the space below the cantilever
arm to remain free for storage of a plurality of torpedoes. This
allows a multiplicity of torpedoes to be accommodated in a single
container, without any problems.
[0035] In a further embodiment, the deployment system has a sliding
device which can be lengthened, starting under a torpedo located in
the container or adjacent to a cage holding the torpedo, extending
via a closeable opening, in particular a rear opening, in the
container, and inclined downward. This allows a torpedo to be
deployed into the water by sliding, and then to be launched. For
this purpose, the torpedo requires only an inclined sliding path,
which is advantageously in the form of a groove. This sliding path
starts in the container under the torpedo or adjacent to said cage,
and is lengthened by one or more sections outside the container in
the course of launch preparations. This allows the deployment
system to also be used on beaches or on muddy coastal sections
where the immediate shore area cannot be driven on.
[0036] The sliding device therefore advantageously has a plurality
of slide lengthening segments, which can be connected to one
another. This allows the slide to be lengthened such that it is
also possible to reach greater water depths, in which the torpedo
can be launched without any problems and without the risk of damage
on the bottom of the waterway.
[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the deployment system
has a cage for holding the torpedo, in which case this cage can be
pivoted about a pivoting shaft, which is provided in the area of
the container opening, on a vertical plane by means of a drive.
Pivoting of this cage means that the torpedo starts to slide from a
predetermined inclination angle, as a result of which it enters the
water via the sliding device. The torpedo is thus released by
pivoting the cage.
[0038] In one special embodiment, the cage has attachment means for
attaching a cassette to a communication line which connects the
launching apparatus and the torpedo, in particular in the case of
an optical waveguide. Torpedoes are normally connected via a
communication line to a control center for controlling the torpedo.
The communication line is for this purpose unwound from the
torpedo, in which case a communication conductor spool is normally
also unwound from the launch platform, in the case of moving launch
platforms. However, since, according to the invention, the launch
platform remains stationary while the torpedo is running in the
water, only a communication conductor spool with a short length is
required in the area of the launching apparatus. This part of the
communication line is, however, accommodated in a cassette, which
is advantageously attached to the cage.
[0039] In this case, the cassette advantageously comprises a spool
on which the communication line is wound up, as well as a
protective flexible tube for guiding the communication line. The
protective flexible tube in this case has a length which
corresponds to a plurality of times the length of the cage. In this
case, "a plurality of times the length" also means non-integer
multiples of the length. In this way, the communication line is
protected by the protective flexible tube, to be precise over a
length which is greater than the length of the cage. The
communication line is therefore protected not only in the area of
the cage but also in the area of the surf, that is to say also in
an area in which wave strikes could possibly damage the
communication line if it were unprotected in the water.
[0040] In a further special embodiment, the container is provided
with a control space, which is equipped with at least one
workstation. This control space has control devices for launching
and guiding the torpedo.
[0041] By way of example, the launching process can be initiated
via this control space. Furthermore, for example, a torpedo mission
can also be terminated from this control space, if this were to
become necessary.
[0042] In one specific embodiment, the control space is separated
from the space which holds the torpedo by a partition wall, which
preferably has a door. This partition wall advantageously has a
projection in the direction of the control space, in the area of
the torpedo. This increases the maximum length of a torpedo which
is accommodated in the container. This allows a torpedo to be
extended by one or more additional battery sections. This is
advantageous since this allows its range to be increased.
[0043] The container is advantageously a forty-foot container with
the normal dimensions for maritime trade. Containers such as these
have a length of 12.19 m, a width of 2.44 m and a height of 2.60 m.
The container is therefore preferably designed in accordance with
ISO 668. This is advantageous because a container such as this can
be loaded using conventional loading facilities onto marine vessels
or onto goods vehicles and trailers for holding such standard
containers. This simplifies the handling of such containers, and
reduces the costs incurred for production and use.
[0044] The launching apparatus therefore preferably provides a
trailer for transporting the container. However, alternatively, the
container can be firmly connected to a chassis.
[0045] Further advantageous embodiments will become evident from
the dependent claims and from the exemplary embodiments, which will
be explained with reference to the attached drawing, in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a method according
to the invention for steering a torpedo;
[0047] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a torpedo according
to the invention, and
[0048] FIG. 3 shows a scenario to explain the remote control of a
torpedo and the tracking of a target region.
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a torpedo 1 which has been deployed into a sea
region 4 from a land-based deployment system 3 provided in a
container 2. The container is located on a trailer 5, which can be
moved on land by means of a towing vehicle 6. A plurality of such
container-based, land-based deployment systems 3, 3', 3'' are
positioned along a coastline 7. Control systems are located within
the container 2 and are connected via a communication line 8, for
example an optical waveguide, to the torpedo 1, at least over a
first distance, and therefore for a first time period. This first
distance is limited by the length of the communication line which,
in particular, is wound on a spool which is fitted within the
torpedo 1. For this first time period, the torpedo 1 can be guided
by means of the communication line, but can also transmit data, in
particular sonar data, back to the control systems in the container
2. However, the length of the communication line 8 is no longer
adequate for distances greater than this first distance, as a
result of which the torpedo 1 is guided via a radio link 9.
[0050] For this purpose, the torpedo 1 has a radio antenna 10
which, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment via a satellite 11,
a communication link connects to the control system accommodated in
the container 2, and/or to a mobile control center 12. The control
system within the container 2 is therefore likewise equipped with a
radio antenna 13, and the mobile control center 12 likewise has a
radio antenna 14. The mobile control center 12 and the radio
antenna 14 are each connected to a transmitting/receiving device
15, which interchanges data with the control center 12 and
generates signals for transmission via the antenna 14, as well as
converting signals received by the antenna 14 to data signals for
the control center 12.
[0051] The mobile control center 12 is in turn connected via a
radio-based or cable-based link 16 to a higher-level operation
center 17, which receives radar surveillance data, obtained via a
radar 18, relating to a sea region. The radar surveillance data is
used to assign one or more torpedoes 1 to enemy targets, which
torpedoes 1 are guided to the relevant target, in order to
neutralize the target.
[0052] As an alternative to or in addition to surveillance by means
of a radar, optical and/or hydroacoustic surveillance systems can
be used to locate targets.
[0053] After the operation center 17 has assigned targets to the
control center 12, coordinated via the link 16, the control center
12 steers a torpedo 1 to the target region.
[0054] Since the target region may be located beyond the range of
the communication line 8 and beyond the detection range of a
torpedo's own torpedo sonar, the torpedo 1 is steered via a radio
link. Therefore, the torpedo 1 surfaces to closely below the water
surface at predetermined times, to be precise to such a distance
that its drive and control-surface section are still completely
under the water, in order to ensure controllability of the torpedo.
Closely below the water surface, the torpedo extends its radio
antenna sufficiently that it is located above the water surface and
can set up a radio link, without being interfered with by the
water, to the satellite 11 or to other airborne, seaborne or
land-based relay stations. These relay stations have a radio link
to the control center 12.
[0055] Via this link, the torpedo 1 receives data relating to the
target, in particular information about a change in the target
region or expected target region, possibly as well as further
information relevant to its mission, such as a command to terminate
a mission or to bypass restricted sea regions in which obstructions
or own or friendly marine vessels are located.
[0056] Additionally or alternatively, via the antenna 10, that is
to say in the surfaced state, the torpedo 1 receives information
about its own position, to be precise via a satellite-based
navigation system, such as GPS (global positioning system) or
Galileo or similar land-based, seaborne or airborne systems. The
torpedo 1 can therefore determine its own position exactly when in
the surfaced state. If its target and the position thereof have
already been defined precisely in advance, for example because this
is a fixed-position target, there is no need for a bidirectional
communication link to the control center 12. In fact, precise
position data relating to the own position is then sufficient to
reliably guide the torpedo 1 to the target.
[0057] However, if the target assigned to the torpedo 1 is a moving
target, in particular a water craft, the torpedo 1 activates its
own on-board sonar at the latest as soon as the target region is
within range of the torpedo sonar, and guides itself to the target
on the basis of its own sonar data.
[0058] The torpedo's own sonar data is preferably sent back via
said relay stations to the control center 12, via the antenna 10
when the torpedo 1 is surfaced, thus allowing the control center 12
to identify whether the target data obtained by means of the
previous surveillance, for example using the radar 18, was
sufficiently detailed. In particular, it is possible in this way to
determine whether a target actually consists of only a single
target or a group of a plurality of targets. If the latter is the
case, a target selection is made in the control center 12 or in the
operation center 17, for example by the most important target being
neutralized, or civilian targets not being attacked.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged illustration of the torpedo 1.
Adjacent to a sonar head 19, the torpedo 1 has a section 20 with an
explosive charge. Furthermore, the torpedo has a plurality of
battery sections 21, 22, 23, 24 as well as a control section 25, a
communication conductor section 26 which contains a spool with a
communication line, and a drive section 27 with a motor for driving
two contrarotating propellers 28, 29. Furthermore, the torpedo 1
has a control-surface section 29 with a plurality of control
surfaces 30 for determining the course and the depth of the torpedo
during its journey.
[0060] Approximately in the area of its center of gravity, the
torpedo has an antenna section 31, which has an extendable antenna
10 as well as radio communication devices for transmission and/or
reception. By way of example, the antenna 10 is telescopic. It has
a length which is sufficient to allow it to reach the water surface
even when the torpedo 1 is submerged, in order in this way to set
up a satellite communication link or at least to allow data to be
received from a satellite-based navigation system.
[0061] The torpedo 1 advantageously reduces its speed of movement
before it extends the antenna 10, and increases its speed again
once the antenna 10 has been retracted.
[0062] The antenna 10 has a structure by means of which data can be
received and/or transmitted at at least two frequencies. This is
advantageous since, on the one hand, own position data can be
received, in particular via a satellite navigation system and, on
the other hand, target position data and further data can be
interchanged via a further communication channel. The frequencies
are advantageously provided in the same frequency band, in order
that the antenna structure required for each frequency is
essentially of the same order of magnitude.
[0063] The antenna 10 advantageously has a plurality of separate
antenna structures, in particular two. This is advantageous since
each antenna structure is designed specifically for one specific
frequency range. The signal-to-noise ratio can therefore be
optimized for each individual antenna structure. The antenna
structures are preferably designed in a similar embodiment size,
which is as small as possible. This makes it easier to arrange the
antenna 10 in a streamlined form in the retracted state.
Alternatively, the antenna has a multiband antenna structure, which
is tuned to a plurality of frequencies. Bidirectional communication
is provided by means of at least one of the frequencies.
[0064] Taking account of its volume, the antenna section 31 is
lighter than the surrounding (sea)water and in this way reduces the
negative buoyancy of the torpedo 1. This reduces the energy
required by the torpedo, thus making it possible to increase its
range.
[0065] With the exception of the antenna section 31, the components
of the torpedo 1 correspond essentially to those of a conventional
torpedo to which a further section, specifically the antenna
section 31, has been added, however. The antenna section 31 is
therefore a modular component, which can be introduced into
conventional torpedo concepts.
[0066] The antenna section 31 can therefore be connected to the
control section 25 merely via an interface, in order to ensure data
interchange of the transmitted and received radio data.
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates the guidance of a torpedo 1 to a target Z
which is moving along a target path 33. The torpedo 1 moves along
its own path 34.
[0068] The torpedo 1 is deployed into the sea region 4 by means of
the land-based deployment system accommodated in the container 2,
and first of all moves there over the distance D subject to remote
control by means of the communication line, for example by means of
optical waveguide or copper cable.
[0069] Once the communication line has been completely unwound and
is thus disconnected, the torpedo 1 first of all surfaces at the
position P1 and receives new coordinates for a target region 35
within which an expected target region is located at a time at
which the torpedo 1 could have reached the expected target region
36. The torpedo 1 surfaces again at a predefined time, to be
precise at the position P2. However, by means of radar-based
surveillance and/or possibly hydroacoustic surveillance and/or
visual surveillance, it has been found in the operation center 17
that the target Z has carried out a target maneuver, that is to say
a course change, as a result of which the target region as well as
the expected target region have changed, and the new target region
is represented by the reference number 37 in FIG. 3, and the new
expected target region by the reference number 38.
[0070] The torpedo 1 therefore itself carries out a course change
and leaves the initially planned route 39, turning onto a new route
40.
[0071] The dashed line around the torpedo 1 in FIG. 3 shows a
detection area 41 within which the torpedo's own signal can detect
targets. FIG. 3 therefore illustrates that the distance traveled by
the torpedo is significantly greater than the detection radius
associated with the detection area 41. The torpedo 1 therefore
cannot be controlled solely by its own on-board sonar. It is
therefore controlled via the above-mentioned radio link, via which
the torpedo 1 is guided into the target region 35 or 37. As soon as
the target region 35 or 37 is located within a so-called target
detection area 42, around the target, which is governed by the
detection range of the torpedo 1, the torpedo 1 can be steered to
the target by means of the torpedo's own sonar. However, in this
case as well, that is to say when the target region 37 is within
the target detection area 42, it is worthwhile, depending on the
situation, for the torpedo to surface and set up a communication
link via said relay stations to the control center 12 and/or to the
operation center 17, in order to transmit data from the target
region to the control center 12 and/or operation center 17, since
this is useful for surveillance purposes.
[0072] FIG. 3 also illustrates that the special remote control of
the torpedo makes it possible to bypass restricted regions 43, such
as islands, by means of predefined waypoints.
[0073] The remote control method according to the invention allows
significantly longer ranges for torpedoes, which are achieved in
particular by the torpedo traveling at a significantly reduced
speed, in order to use less energy per distance traveled. However,
the relatively low speed leads to considerable discrepancies from a
predefined course, since the angle discrepancy is, inter alia,
time-dependent, that is to say it becomes greater the longer the
torpedo is moving. These course discrepancies are overcome
according to the invention by course corrections, which are
dependent on determining the position of the torpedo. This position
determination is carried out according to the invention in the
surfaced state, on the basis of data from a preferably
satellite-based navigation system.
[0074] The invention allows conventional torpedoes to be upgraded
to achieve significantly longer ranges. The fields of use and
operational purposes of torpedoes can thus be extended considerably
by the invention.
[0075] All of the features mentioned in the above description and
in the claims can be used according to the invention both
individually and in any desired combination with one another. The
invention is therefore not restricted to the described and claimed
feature combinations. In fact, all combinations of individual
features should be regarded as having been disclosed.
* * * * *