EP1147045B1 - Device for destroying undersea objects - Google Patents

Description

• les mines de fond qui reposent au fond de l'eau, et
• les mines à orin qui sont retenues par un câble appelé "orin" à une gueuse.

The present invention relates to the field of destruction of underwater objects that may present a danger to navigation, for example mines. There are two main types of mines:

• bottom mines that sit at the bottom of the water, and
• orin mines that are held by a cable called "orin" to a pig.

The destruction of underground mines is carried out by depositing a charge of explosive called "military charge" in the immediate vicinity of the underwater object and explosion. This way of operating requires to identify the mine then bring the military charge nearby and finally provoke explosion, as opposed to mine dredging which implements magnetic and / or mechanical means to trigger the mines or cut their orch.

The known methods of destroying an underwater mine background include a step of detection and / or identification of the mine and a step of destruction of the mine by means of an explosive charge important, for example of the order of 50 to 100 kgs, deposited at a distance a few meters from the mine to be destroyed, by means of an underwater vehicle, usually remote controlled.

After proceeding with the recovery of the underwater vehicle at edge of a minesweeper surface vessel, the procedure is carried out destruction of the mine causing the explosion of the charge whose wave of shock causes the explosion of the mine by influence.

The mines are destroyed by a similar process of detection and / or identification which is followed by a step of hang on the orin a pyrotechnic shear that is put in place at means of a remotely controlled or wire-guided underwater vehicle. Here again, after having recovered the underwater vehicle, the actuation pyrotechnic shear by remote control from the vessel of surface. The mine rises to the surface and can be destroyed by cannon.

However, modern ground mines no longer explode by influence and the destruction of cannon mines poses problems by strong seas and / or poor visibility. It is therefore necessary to position very precise military load compared to the mine to ensure its destruction. This is also true for the gold mines that we want to destroy directly, which proves to be relatively difficult, particularly in case of submarine current. In addition, the recovery of underwater vehicle takes time.

Different types of remotely operated underwater vehicles or filoguidés are known in particular by the patents of the ECA Company, in particular FR-2,684,951 and EP-0,612,656.

It is known from document WO-A-97/10992 (GEC MARCONI), a submersible mine-neutralization vehicle, comprising a first part provided with a propulsion unit and a second pivoting part with respect to the first and comprising a military charge. It is thus possible to orient the military load along an axis, for example horizontal while maintaining the first part substantially horizontal. The underwater vehicle is destroyed during the explosion of his military charge. Orienting the military load can reduce it, resulting in a lighter weight of the vehicle. However, it is difficult in practice to appropriate positioning, in particular because of the influence of external factors, such as a marine current, resulting in uncertainty about the destruction. It may be necessary to correct the orientation of the vehicle after pivoting the second part to keep it in position.

The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle consumable of destruction of underwater objects, suitable for tracking and more accurate and reliable destruction.

The device according to the invention is intended for the destruction of underwater objects. The device is of the type comprising a first part provided with propulsion means and a second part provided with a means of attack, the second part being able to pivot relative to the first part along an axis, so that the device can approach an underwater object according to different orientations. The second part comprises at least one sensor means capable of detecting a underwater object, so that the attacking means and the sensor means are similarly oriented with respect to an underwater object. The way of attack is positioned correctly in relation to the underwater object as soon as the locating is made, hence better efficiency. The means of attack can, if necessary, be repositioned while maintaining detection.

Advantageously, the device comprises means for pivoting of the second part with respect to the first part, the pivoting means being provided with at least one motor. We control thus precisely the orientation of the second part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means of pivoting are provided with at least one geared motor.

Advantageously, the second part comprises at least one means of observing submarine objects and / or at least one means identification of underwater objects.

Advantageously, the second part comprises at least one means of estimating the distance from an underwater object and / or at least one means of classifying underwater objects.

Advantageously, the second part comprises at least one means of remote communication with a support means, such as a surface vessel or aircraft. The means of communication may understand an acoustic transducer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one database relating to underwater objects.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second part includes at least one means of consulting a database located at a distance and relative to underwater objects.

Advantageously, the device comprises at least one means to develop an attack strategy based on the type of an underwater object.

Preferably, the device comprises at least one means of control of the pivoting of the second part able to find the position the most favorable for an acoustic transmission of data to a support means, such as a surface ship.

The subject of the invention is also a method of destruction of underwater objects, in which the device moves to an object underwater by means of propulsion provided in a first part, and angularly directs a second portion provided with at least one means of attack and at least one sensor means so that the second part is properly positioned in relation to the submarine object regardless of the positioning of the first part.

The mine hunter is usually a surface ship, but can also be an aircraft. In the latter case, a relay at the surface of the water makes it possible to transform the acoustic signals emitted by the underwater vehicle in radio or optical or electrical signals, for their sending to the aircraft.

The military charge will generally be a hollow charge the explosion produces a main effect along an axis, hence the importance of position relative to the submarine object to be destroyed, and more than each type of mine has more sensitive or fragile areas than others to an external explosion.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon un plan vertical du véhicule sous-marin de la figure 3;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale selon un plan horizontal du véhicule sous-marin de la figure 3; et
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un véhicule sous-marin selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The present invention will be better understood on studying the detailed description of a particular embodiment taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view along a vertical plane of the underwater vehicle of Figure 3;
• Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view along a horizontal plane of the underwater vehicle of Figure 3; and
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of an underwater vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

As can be seen in the figures, the underwater vehicle comprises a front end 1 of generally hemispherical shape, a rear end 2 of truncated ogival general shape and a zone central 3 of cylindrical general shape.

The underwater vehicle is divided into two articulated parts one relative to the other, a first portion 4 formed of the rear end 2 and the central zone 3. The rear part 4 is provided with means of propulsion in the form of four keeled propellers 5 and means of stabilization in the form of four retractable fins 6 arranged in cross with the propellers 5 regularly distributed between the fins 6. On the 1 shows the lower flap 6 in the deployed position, the flap 6 upper being in the retracted position and therefore not visible. It is the same in Figure 2 for the left and right 6 fins.

The rear part 4 also optionally comprises a protuberance 7 of cylindrical general shape and extending the end back 2 backwards. In the protuberance 7, is disposed a coil 7a of optical fiber able to take place during the displacement of the underwater vehicle and allowing a connection with the ship or helicopter that has dropped the underwater vehicle. In the central zone 3, is also provided a vertical pipe 8 inside which is arranged a propeller 9 forming a vertical propeller adapted for the changes of depth and precise vertical positioning of the underwater vehicle.

As can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inside of the rear part 4 are arranged an electric motor 10 drive of the propeller 9, four electric motors 11 propulsion horizontal, each driving a propeller 5, a plurality of batteries 12 storage of electrical energy, an electronic unit 13 of control of propulsion electric motors, cards electronics 14 of a calculator, a magnetic compass 15 and a transducer 16. There is also provided an electric geared motor 17, hydraulic or pneumatic, and an electronic control unit 18 assigned to the geared motor 17 whose functions will be specified more far.

From the rear part 4 are provided two symmetrical arms 19 oriented generally forward and supporting each at their end free a journal 20. The front portion 21, which is formed of the end before 1, is supported by the journals 20 and the arms 19 and is adapted to pivot relative to the rear portion 4 about the common horizontal axis to the two pins 20. The pivoting of the front portion 21 is caused by the geared motor 17 controlled by the electronic unit 18. The fact that arrange the geared motor 17 and its electronic unit 18 in the part rear 4, reduces the weight of the front portion 21 which is movable compared to the rear part 4 and therefore reduces the mass driven by pivoting. Preferably, the horizontal axis common to both trunnions 20 passes through the center of gravity of the front portion 21, which allows a more regular pivoting movement and decreases the torque that one requires the geared motor 17. Thanks to the hemispherical shape of the second part 21, its pivoting does not affect the behavior hydrodynamics of the entire vehicle.

The front portion 21 includes a military load 22 arranged substantially at its center and in the form of a load hollow effect forwardly oriented when the front portion 21 is in position resting line on the rear part 4, perpendicular to the axis of the trunnions 20. The front portion 21 also includes a projector 24 to illuminate the surroundings of the underwater vehicle and oriented according to an axis parallel to the axis of the hollow charge. In a symmetrical way 24, is disposed a camera 23 of the analog type or digital, also oriented along an axis parallel to that of the load dig. The camera 23 and the projector 24 project slightly from the front end 1 of hemispherical general shape.

The front portion 21 further includes a sonar 25 disposed in a short cylindrical portion protruding from the front end 1 and oriented along a vertical axis, in the rest position. A unit sonar control electronics 25 is disposed within the front portion 21, and a battery 27 for storing electrical energy intended for the camera 23, the projector 24, the sonar 25 and more generally to all energy consuming members associated with the front portion 21. For communication with the surface vessel or aircraft that has the water the underwater vehicle there is provided a 28 high-speed transducer disposed protruding from the front end 1 substantially symmetrically sonar 25. The transducer 28 is controlled by an electronic unit 29 disposed within the front portion 21.

The rear part is also equipped with an echo-sounder 30 disposed in a lower area of the underwater vehicle and allowing to appreciate the distance between said underwater vehicle and the bottom. A electronic control unit 31 of the transducer 16 is provided. The transducer 16 is disposed in a substantially protuberance cylindrical along a vertical axis of the rear portion 4 on the same side as the sonar 25. This transducer 16, low flow, allows the transmission of orders propelling the surface vessel or the aircraft to the submarine vehicle, as well as the transmission of information relating to the trajectory from the underwater vehicle to the surface vessel or aircraft. A flash 32 is disposed on the rear portion 4 in a top area and allows the emission of a bright light when returning to the surface of the underwater vehicle to facilitate identification by the surface vessel or the aircraft, especially at night or in poor visibility.

For clarity, the longitudinal axis of the underwater vehicle is noted 33, the pivot axis of the front portion 21 or journal axis 20 is noted 34 and the axis of the vertical thruster is noted 35.

The operation of the underwater vehicle is carried out in the manner next. The underwater vehicle is launched from a fishing vessel surface or an aircraft that has previously located the object to be destroyed, by example, using a hull sonar, a submerged sonar, or a sonar carrier moving in the bow of the ship, or by other means. Simultaneously or immediately after the launching of the submarine vehicle, the ship or aircraft is traveling at a distance of safety where it will not be damaged by the explosion of the load military and mine.

The underwater vehicle begins a rallying phase which leads, thanks to its means of navigation, including the propellers 5, in a zone in which the underwater object previously identified may be located using the on-vehicle locating means on the vehicle submarine, in particular sonar 25. The relocation stage is carried out by various maneuvers to detect and locate the object to identify it. The sonar 25 is also used to estimate the distance of obj and in relation to the vehicle. The identification stage starts with a approach maneuver to allow images taken by the camera 23, possibly assisted by the projector 24, in good conditions. These images may require changing the orientation of the front part 21 with respect to the rear part 4. The images taken by the camera 23 can be either automatically processed by software of image processing implemented by a non-computing unit shown arranged in the front part 21 or by the cards 14 and allowing the identification of the underwater object for confirm that it is a mine or not, and then, by comparison, a base data, its classification, ie the recognition of the type of mine, according to its manufacturer, its mass, its operation, etc., and more generally any characteristic useful for recognition. This automatic processing can be replaced by analysis, then the confirmation by a human operator after acoustic transmission at means of the transducer 28 images to the surface ship or the aircraft. We can still consider performing this automatic treatment on board said ship or aircraft.

The transmission of images to the surface vessel by the transducer 28, for confirmation of destruction in the case of a decision by an operator, or for information in the case of a automatic processing, may require pivoting of the front 21 with respect to the rear part 4 to aim at the said vessel, the purpose of to achieve a position favorable to the acoustic transmission of images by the transducer 28 and also a possible maneuver of the entire underwater vehicle, particularly in the presence of obstacles acoustic such as thermoclines or physical such as rocks.

After the identification of the mine and the decision of destruction, the attack stage consists of describing a trajectory adapted to the type of mine identified, in order to reach him in a vulnerable area, that is to say present the hollow charge 22 in the position where it is most likely to destroy the mine and then trigger the firing. The return stage consists, in case of negative identification, for example if the object is a wreck and not a mine, to join a repechage area planned in advance in the vicinity of the surface vessel or aircraft.

Thanks to the invention, the steerable head of the underwater vehicle is equipped with sensors for observation, identification and classification of submarine objects, the dispatch to the surface vessel or the aircraft in optimal conditions, information and images collected for information or confirmation, the appreciation of the distance from the underwater vehicle to the submarine object and the development to from this information and after consulting a database embarked in the underwater vehicle or on the surface vessel or the aircraft, an attack strategy depending on the type of mine. The fact of arrange on parallel axes the camera 23 and the military load 22, allows a positioning both more accurate and more reliable where a more high probability of success, especially in difficult conditions, for example in underwater currents.

Claims (10)

1. Device for destroying underwater objects, of the type comprising a first part (4) equipped with propulsion means and a second part (21) equipped with an attack means, the second part being capable of pivoting with respect to the first part about an axis, so that the device can approach an underwater object in different orientations, characterized in that the second part comprises at least one sensor means capable of detecting an underwater object and that the second part is capable of orienting similarly the attack means and the sensor means with respect to the underwater object.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means of pivoting the second part with respect to the first part, the pivoting means being equipped with at least one motor.
3. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting means are equipped with at least one geared motor unit (17).
4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part comprises at least one means (23) of observing underwater objects and/or at least one means of identifying underwater objects.
5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part comprises at least one means of locating an underwater object and/or at least one means (25) of estimating the range at which said underwater object lies, and/or at least one means of classifying underwater objects.
6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part comprises at least one means (28) of remote communication with a support means such as a surface ship or an aircraft.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one database relating to underwater objects.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part comprises at least one means of consulting a remote-situated database relating to underwater objects.
9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means of formulating an attack strategy according to the type of underwater object.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means of commanding the second part to pivot, so as to find the best position for the acoustic transmission of data to a support means such as a surface ship.

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