A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine having a combustor, a turbine, and a mechanical output shaft. The propulsion system further includes an electrical generator having a rotational input connected to the mechanical output shaft, and a poly phase electrical output. A direct current (DC) bus is connected to the poly phase electrical output via a rectifier/inverter. A DC to alternating current (AC) motor drive includes a DC input and a poly phase motor drive output, and a motor connected to the poly phase motor drive output.

A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine, a generator mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the turbine engine, an electrical motor mechanically decoupled from the turbine engine and electrically coupled to the generator via a power bus architecture, and a propulsor mechanically coupled to a rotational output of the electrical motor. The power bus architecture includes a pair of AC buses and a DC bus.

A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine, a generator mechanically coupled to an output shaft of the turbine engine, an electrical motor mechanically decoupled from the turbine engine and electrically coupled to the generator via a power bus architecture, and a propulsor mechanically coupled to a rotational output of the electrical motor. The power bus architecture includes a pair of AC buses and a DC bus.

A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine having a rotational output, an electrical generator mechanically connected to the rotational output and electrically connected to an Alternating Current (AC) power bus. A magnitude of an AC output of the electrical generator is independent of rotational speed of the rotational input. An electrical motor connected to the AC power bus, and includes a mechanical output.

An unmanned underwater vehicle propulsion system includes a turbine engine having a mechanical output, an electrical generator including a mechanical connection to the mechanical output, and an electrical input/output. At least one power bus connects the electrical input/output to one of a motor drive and a motor. A rechargeable energy storage system is connected to the at least one power bus and is configured to provide power to the power bus in at least a first mode and receive power from the power bus in a second mode. A controller is configured to control at least one of the electrical generator, the motor drive, the motor, and the rechargeable energy source.

A coaxial direct drive system includes at least two prime movers mounted to a motor carrier member about a common axis. Each prime mover includes a stator affixed to the motor carrier member, and each prime mover further includes a rotor which can rotate about the common axis. Each rotor has a driven member affixed to it, which rotates with the respective rotor, and to which driven objects, such as aero foil blades, etc. can be affixed. The motor carrier member can be directly mounted to an object to be propelled by the coaxial direct drive system, or can be hollow to receive a support mast which is mounted to the object to be driven. The driven objects can have different rotational senses, such that when the prime movers counter rotate, the driven objects generate trust in the same direction.

A coaxial direct drive system includes at least two prime movers mounted to a motor carrier member about a common axis. Each prime mover includes a stator affixed to the motor carrier member, and each prime mover further includes a rotor which can rotate about the common axis. Each rotor has a driven member affixed to it, which rotates with the respective rotor, and to which driven objects, such as aero foil blades, etc. can be affixed. The motor carrier member can be directly mounted to an object to be propelled by the coaxial direct drive system, or can be hollow to receive a support mast which is mounted to the object to be driven. The driven objects can have different rotational senses, such that when the prime movers counter rotate, the driven objects generate trust in the same direction.

An activation and operation mode system for an electrochemical battery for the propulsion of marine craft, in particular for torpedoes; the system being equipped with an inlet valve for the inflow of water from the outside environment, a flow rate regulator of the flow input through the inlet valve, an outlet valve for the outflow of the liquids and gases produced by the chemical reaction, and a mode valve movable from a discharge position, in which the fluid produced by the chemical reaction is conveyed to the outlet valve, and a recirculation position, in which said fluid is made to recirculate through the electrochemical cells of the battery; the inlet valve, the outlet valve, the flow rate regulator and the mode valve being grouped in a single external body so as to define a compact monolithic assembly.

An activation and operation mode system for an electrochemical battery for the propulsion of marine craft, in particular for torpedoes; the system being equipped with an inlet valve for the inflow of water from the outside environment, a flow rate regulator of the flow input through the inlet valve, an outlet valve for the outflow of the liquids and gases produced by the chemical reaction, and a mode valve movable from a discharge position, in which the fluid produced by the chemical reaction is conveyed to the outlet valve, and a recirculation position, in which said fluid is made to recirculate through the electrochemical cells of the battery; the inlet valve, the outlet valve, the flow rate regulator and the mode valve being grouped in a single external body so as to define a compact monolithic assembly.

This underwater vehicle includes an electrolyte-activated electrochemical fuel cell to supply it with electrical power, which fuel cell includes: an electrochemical power production cell (3), a reservoir (4) to contain the electrolyte. means of circulation (7) of the electrolyte between the electrochemical cell (3) and the reservoir (4), comprising a semi-axial flow pump arranged axially in the reservoir and comprising a motorized wheel rotatably mounted in a diffuser, characterized in that the diffuser has the general shape of a dome to direct the flow of the electrolyte coming out of the pump in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pump, and thus of the reservoir.