A floating barrier float section, and a waterfront barrier system formed from a number of connected float sections. An elongated main flotation tube has radially outwardly extending fence posts with connecting members, such as nets, between them, forming multiple longitudinal net sections about the circumference of the flotation tube, at least one of the net sections extending upwardly and forming a barrier to vessel passage. A vessel strike tends to rotate the flotation tube about its longitudinal axis, absorbing the energy from the strike and rotating the flotation tube to bring another net section into position. An underwater ballast member and a stabilizer float member may be added for additional resistance to rotation.

A means is provided for defending a target from attack by a torpedo with high probability. When a controller detects a torpedo based on an image generated by a sonar, it specifies a path of movement of the torpedo. If there is a water craft or the like within the path of movement, the controller instructs a launcher to launch a torpedo capture device and instructs mines to switch to detonation-off mode. Moveable devices of the torpedo capture device launched by the launcher in accordance with the instruction of the controller move in the water to spread a net. The controller then specifies a location of each of a first moveable device and second moveable devices based on an image generated by the sonar, and instructs the first moveable device and the second moveable devices to move such that the center of the net is within the path of movement of the torpedo. The first moveable device and the second moveable devices move in accordance with the instruction of the controller. When the torpedo reaches the net, the net captures the torpedo and the mines, which are in the detonation-on mode, explode the torpedo before it reaches the water craft or the like.

A barrier for restriction of passage across or through a body of water, the barrier including a plurality of interconnected buoyant bodies which are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal array, a plurality of deterrent components on or between the buoyant bodies and obstructive material which in use extends downwardly from the buoyant bodies.

A means is provided for defending a target from attack by a torpedo with high probability. When a controller detects a torpedo based on an image generated by a sonar, it specifies a path of movement of the torpedo. If there is a water craft or the like within the path of movement, the controller instructs a launcher to launch a torpedo capture device and instructs mines to switch to detonation-off mode. Moveable devices of the torpedo capture device launched by the launcher in accordance with the instruction of the controller move in the water to spread a net. The controller then specifies a location of each of a first moveable device and second moveable devices based on an image generated by the sonar, and instructs the first moveable Device and the second moveable devices to move such that the center of the net is within the path of movement of the torpedo. The first moveable device and the second moveable devices move in accordance with the instruction of the controller. When the torpedo reaches the net, the net captures the torpedo and the mines, which are in the detonation-on mode, explode the torpedo before it reaches the water craft or the like.

A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

A means is provided for defending a target from attack by a torpedo with high probability. When a controller detects a torpedo based on an image generated by a sonar, it specifies a path of movement of the torpedo. If there is a water craft or the like within the path of movement, the controller instructs a launcher to launch a torpedo capture device and instructs mines to switch to detonation-off mode. Moveable devices of the torpedo capture device launched by the launcher in accordance with the instruction of the controller move in the water to spread a net. The controller then specifies a location of each of a first moveable device and second moveable devices based on an image generated by the sonar, and instructs the first moveable Device and the second moveable devices to move such that the center of the net is within the path of movement of the torpedo. The first moveable device and the second moveable devices move in accordance with the instruction of the controller. When the torpedo reaches the net, the net captures the torpedo and the mines, which are in the detonation-on mode, explode the torpedo before it reaches the water craft or the like.

A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

A compliant net support system for supporting a net of a marine barrier is provided. Embodiments include a floating marine barrier module comprising a flotation device; a supporting framework attached to the flotation device; a plurality of impact net support posts; and an impact net attached to each of the support posts and extending between the plurality of support posts along a longitudinal axis of the barrier module. At least one of the impact net support posts is a compliant net support post having a unidirectionally elastic spring element attached between a bottom of the support post and the supporting framework; and the spring element is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module, and substantially inflexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrier module.

A system is provided for automatic operation and status indication of a marine barrier gate. Embodiments include a system having a buoyant barrier gate that is movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and a sensor is operably connected to the actuator to generate data relating to a position of the barrier gate between the open and closed positions. A processor receives the data from the sensor and processes the data to move the gate between the open and closed positions, and detect the position of the gate. A human-machine interface is operably connected to the processor for communicating the detected position of the barrier gate to a user.