An underwater body having a movable component which can be moved into a retracted position and, as a result, increases the volume of the underwater body. In addition, a method is disclosed for operating such an underwater body. An expansion means conducts a fluid into a hollow space. The hollow space is operatively connected to the movable component. When the fluid is conducted into the hollow space, the movable component is moved into the extended position relative to the shell of the underwater body. The fluid in the hollow space hardens. The hardened fluid in the hollow space holds the movable component in the extended position.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an object for moving through a fluid, the object comprising: an outer housing, arranged to be exposed to a hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid; a strain gauge, arranged to obtain an indication of the hydrostatic pressure, wherein a first part of the strain gauge is arranged to be in contact with the outer housing, such that the strain gauge is arranged to obtain an indication of the hydrostatic pressure by obtaining an indication of the strain on the housing.

An underwater body having a movable component which can be moved into a retracted position and, as a result, increases the volume of the underwater body. In addition, a method is disclosed for operating such an underwater body. An expansion means conducts a fluid into a hollow space. The hollow space is operatively connected to the movable component. When the fluid is conducted into the hollow space, the movable component is moved into the extended position relative to the shell of the underwater body. The fluid in the hollow space hardens. The hardened fluid in the hollow space holds the movable component in the extended position.

An extended range support module for an undersea vehicle includes an outer hull capable of accommodating the undersea vehicle therein. A navigation module is positioned on the outer hull and capable of being joined to the undersea vehicle. Controllable fins are provided on the outer hull and joined to allow control by the navigation module. A buoyancy control system is positioned within the outer hull and joined to the navigation module. An extended fuel tank is provided inside the outer hull between the outer hull and the undersea vehicle. The extended fuel tank is joined to provide fuel to the undersea vehicle. The navigation module can have GPS, inertial sensors, and sonar sensors to aid in navigation.

An extended range support module for an undersea vehicle includes an outer hull capable of accommodating the undersea vehicle therein. A navigation module is positioned on the outer hull and capable of being joined to the undersea vehicle. Controllable fins are provided on the outer hull and joined to allow control by the navigation module. A buoyancy control system is positioned within the outer hull and joined to the navigation module. An extended fuel tank is provided inside the outer hull between the outer hull and the undersea vehicle. The extended fuel tank is joined to provide fuel to the undersea vehicle. The navigation module can have GPS, inertial sensors, and sonar sensors to aid in navigation.