Charge deployment system for ordnance neutralisation

Abstract

A charge deployment system for ordnance neutralization. The system is suited to deploying multiple disposal charges to neutralize multiple items of ordnance, in particular mines, in a single sortie. The system includes at least one deployment unit, each unit including a housing for stowing a charge in a stowed position; means for mounting a charge within the deployment unit; means for controllably moving a charge and mounting means from the stowed position to a deployment position; means for controllably releasing a charge from the mounting means; and a controller for controlling each moving means. It further relates to an unmanned vehicle, such as an unmanned underwater vehicle, including such a charge deployment system for ordnance neutralization.

Claims

1. A charge deployment system for ordnance neutralisation, comprising: an unmanned underwater vehicle; two or more deployment units operably mounted to the vehicle, each unit comprising: a housing for stowing a charge in a stowed position; means for mounting a charge within the deployment unit; means for controllably moving a charge and mounting means from the stowed position to a deployment position; a shield configured such that in a closed position a charge in the stowed position is shielded from contact by an external body, the shield being movable from the closed position to an open position such that in the open position a charge is deployable from the deployment unit; and means for controllably releasing a charge from the mounting means; and a controller for controlling each moving means.

2. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the moving means is further configured to controllably move a charge and mounting means from the deployment position to the stowed position.

3. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the moving means comprises a linear actuator.

4. A charge deployment system according to claim 3, wherein the linear actuator comprises: a rotatable threaded rod; and a motor for rotating the threaded rod, wherein the mounting means comprises a threaded hole for accepting the threaded rod.

5. A charge deployment system according to claim 4, wherein the motor is indirectly coupled to the threaded rod by a gear and chain system.

6. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

7. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the shield is hinged to the deployment unit, the hinge being biased such that the shield is biased towards the closed position.

8. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the shield is made from a resilient material.

9. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to independently control each moving means of each deployment unit.

10. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a receiver for receiving instructions from a remote location, the controller being configured to control each moving means in dependence on the received instructions.

11. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the housing is a hollow cylinder.

12. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein each deployment unit is configured to enable one or more of a plurality of charge types to be used in dependence on the type of ordnance to be neutralised.

13. A charge deployment system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of charge types includes: a shaped charge; a blast charge; and an ordnance firing mechanism immunisation charge.

14. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein each deployment unit is configured to enable one or more of a plurality of charge attachment means to be used in dependence on the type of ordnance to be neutralised.

15. A charge deployment system according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of charge attachment means includes: an explosive powered captured-fastener gun; an impact harpoon; and a magnet.

16. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more deployment units are mounted to a chassis.

17. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is one of either a remotely operated vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle.

18. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an underwater vehicle.

19. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, further comprising a camera system situated on the vehicle, the camera system comprising: a camera; and a transmitter for transmitting camera images to a remote location, the camera being configured to enable identification of ordnance prior to deploying a charge.

20. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, further comprising a navigation system situated on the vehicle and configured to enable the location of the unmanned vehicle to be determined.

21. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, further comprising a sonar system situated on the vehicle and configured to detect ordnance.

22. A charge deployment system according to claim 1, further comprising a charge for each of the deployment units, each charge comprising: an explosive disruptor charge; and an attachment means for attaching the charge to an ordnance.

23. A charge deployment system for ordnance neutralisation, comprising a chassis configured for underwater navigation; two or more deployment units mounted to the chassis, each unit comprising: a housing for stowing a charge in a stowed position; means for mounting a charge within the deployment unit; means for controllably moving a charge and mounting means from the stowed position to a deployment position; a shield configured such that in a closed position a charge in the stowed position is shielded from contact by an external body, the shield being movable from the closed position to an open position such that in the open position a charge is deployable from the deployment unit; and means for controllably releasing a charge from the mounting means; and a controller for controlling each moving means.

24. A charge deployment system according to claim 23, wherein the moving means comprises a linear actuator.

25. A charge deployment system according to claim 23, wherein each deployment unit is configured to enable one or more of a plurality of charge types to be used in dependence on the type of ordnance to be neutralised.

26. A charge deployment system according to claim 23, further comprising a charge for each of the deployment units, each charge comprising: an explosive disruptor charge; and an attachment means for attaching the charge to an ordnance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a charge deployment system according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic end view of the charge deployment system shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit in a stowed position;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit in a deployed position;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit with a charge in the stowed position;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit with a charge in the deployed position;

(8) FIG. 7 show a perspective view of a charge deployment system according to the invention coupled to an unmanned vehicle in the stowed, deployed, and retreat positions and a charge attached to ordnance; and

(9) FIG. 8 shows a view of a charge deployment system according to the invention coupled to an alternative unmanned vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(10) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a charge deployment system 100. In this example, the charge deployment system 100 comprises three deployment units 102, 104 and 106. The deployment units 102, 104 and 106 are coupled to a chassis 108 in the form of a skid adapted to be coupled to an unmanned vehicle. Each deployment unit is substantially identical, and comprises: a hollow cylindrical housing 110 in which a charge may be housed: a mount (not shown) for mounting a charge; a linear actuator (not shown) for advancing and retracting the mount on which a charge is stowed within the deployment unit; and a shield, in the form of a safety gate 112. Each shield is coupled by a linkage to the mount for mounting a charge, and so as the linear actuator moves the mount, the shield is moved from a closed position (as shown) to an open position (not shown).

(11) The system 100 is configured for underwater operations, and as such each housing 110 is provided with a plurality of perforations to reduce the possibility of trapped air, and so as to improve the responsiveness of the system in the water.

(12) FIG. 2 shows an end view of the charge deployment system 100. As can be seen, each housing 110 comprises a stop bar 200 at the end of the hollow cylinder. The stop bar prevents easy access to the charge when it is in the stowed position, and increases the rigidity of the housing.

(13) FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit 102, 104, 106 in a stowed position. Each deployment unit 102, 104, 106 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 110 in which a charge may be housed: a mount 300 for mounting a charge; a linear actuator for advancing and retracting the mount 300 on which a charge is stowed within the deployment unit; and a shield, in the form of a safety gate 112. The linear actuator comprises a threaded rod 302 coupled indirectly to a motor 304 via a gear and chain drive linkage 306. The motor, which may be an electro-mechanical servo motor, is configured to receive power via a controller (not shown), and rotate the threaded rod 302 via the drive linkage 306. The mount 300 is coupled to the threaded rod by a threaded portion 308, and as such when the threaded rod rotates the mount moves along the threaded portion. The mount further comprises a recess portion 310 for receiving a charge (not shown) for neutralising ordnance. In addition, the mount is coupled to the safety gate 112 via a linkage (not shown) so that as the mount moves from the stowed position (as shown) to the deployment position the safety gate is raised; described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

(14) FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit 102, 104, 106 in a deployed position. The components shown in FIG. 4 are the same as those shown in FIG. 3 and so like reference numerals refer to like components. As shown in FIG. 4, the mount 300 has been moved from the stowed position to the deployment position. The linkage between the mount and the safety gate 112 has moved the safety gate from the closed position to the open position.

(15) FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit with a charge 500 in the stowed position. As will be appreciated, FIG. 5 shows the same cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 3, and so like reference numerals refer to like components. The charge comprises: a charge portion 502 comprising the disruptor charge, such as a high-explosive; an attachment portion 504 for attaching the charge to the ordnance; a trigger portion 506; and a trigger line 508 which couples the trigger portion 506 to the charge portion 502. The attachment portion 504 may be powder-actuated captured fixing gun, impact harpoons, or a magnetic grabs for ferrous target ordnance where silent attachment is required. The power-actuated captured fixing gun, may be a nail gun or the like configured to ensure that upon firing the nail gun, the nail remains partially within the attachment portion 504 to both ensure the charge is attached to the ordnance and to reduce the risk of injury upon accidental firing of the attachment. In this stowed configuration, the attachment portion is protected from accidental knocks, or accidental attachment, by the safety gate 112.

(16) FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a deployment unit with a charge in the deployed position. Again, as will be appreciated, FIG. 6 shows the same cross-sectional view as shown in FIG. 4, and so like reference numerals refer to like components. In FIG. 6, the charge 500 is shown in the deployed position, and ready for the attachment portion 504 to attach the charge to the ordnance. The attachment portion is preferably triggered by the impact of the attachment portion 504 hitting the ordnance. The same impact may trigger a release (not shown) to release the charge 500 from the mount 300.

(17) FIG. 7 show the charge deployment system 100 coupled to an unmanned vehicle. In this example, the unmanned vehicle 700 is an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV is tethered, via tether 702, to a surface vessel, such as a mine countermeasures vehicle. The ROV 700 receives power and commands via the tether 702. FIG. 7(a) shows the charge deployment system with all three deployment units in the stowed position. That is to say, all three charges are housed completely within the deployment unit and the attachment mechanism of the charges is shielded by the safety gates.

(18) FIG. 7(b) shows the charge 704 in one of the deployment units in the deployment position. The remote operator, situated on the surface vessel, has sent a command to the deployment system controller to deploy the charge. The linear actuator has therefore been activated, and the charge is moved forwards to the deployment position which in turns moves the safety gate to the open position. In this configuration the charge is ready to be attached to the target ordnance.

(19) FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d) show the charge 704 having been attached to a tethered mine 706, and the ROV being manoeuvred away from the mine.

(20) FIG. 8 shows a charge deployment system 100 coupled to an alternative unmanned vehicle 800 in the form of an underwater ROV.

(21) In use, the charge deployment system 100 combined with the unmanned vehicle 700, 800, such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) may be operated as follows for different types of ordnance. It will of course be understood that the charge deployment system and ROV may be operated in any other suitable manner:

(22) Surface/Drifting MineTarget Visual on Surface

(23) Once the mine has been located, visual contact confirmed, and an approximate position established, the MCMV or Surface Support Craft, positions itself upwind and at approximately 150 m such that the target is clearly visual to a remote operator.

(24) The ROV is made ready and the neutralisation charge is prepared in accordance with the recommended drill. The neutralisation charge is mounted within the deployment unit.

(25) The ROV is launched with the neutralisation charge from the engaged side in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's). When a tracking system, such as an acoustic tracking system (Sonar) is confirmed as operational, and on achieving a minimum range of 50 m from the MCMV, the ROV is taken in to manual control and brought to the surface. The remote operator confirms when the ROV is visual. At this point there will be approximately 100 m distance to run to the target ordnance.

(26) The remote operator pilots the ROV towards the target giving approximate ranges. Some information may be received by the tracking system but this should be secondary to the visual primary means of closing the range to the target due to the potential ambiguity of such tracking systems information with the ROV at the surface.

(27) When the ROV is approximately 30 m from the target, the ROV is stopped. When the remote operator has the target illuminated on the ROV Sonar, he maintains the range of ROV from target at no closer than 25 m. Consideration can be given to using a semi-automatic mode to maintain the constant range.

(28) The MCMV, or surface support craft may then be manoeuvred to open the range from the target ordnance. The remote operator maintains the range of the ROV from the target ordnance at no closer than 25 m.

(29) Shallow Moored MineTarget not Visual on Surface

(30) In this case, pre-requisites in terms of MCMV positioning are the same as for the engagement of a floating drifting mine which is visual.

(31) The target ordnance is illuminated by the MCMVs sonar. The ROV vehicle is prepared as described above, and launched in a routine automatic run to engage the target ordnance. Again, the ROV is maintained at approximately 25 m from the target ordnance.

(32) Procedure for Visual or Shallow-Moored Mines after ROV Reaches 25 m from Target Ordnance

(33) The MCMV is manoeuvred to a safe operating distance, such as 500 m. On completion, the remote operator of the ROV closes the range to the target ordnance using the ROV tracking system. The target ordnance may be engaged using the tracking system only, but the remote operator may be assisted by a camera in the final stages of the engagement run.

(34) Following engagement and confirmation by the remote operator that the target is ordnance that requires neutralisation, the remote operator sends instructions to the charge deployment system controller to move the charge from the stowed position to the deployed position by the linear actuator. In doing so, the charge attachment means is exposed from behind the safety gate.

(35) The remote operator then makes a final, slow speed, run to the target ordnance to attach the charge. After attachment, the charge is automatically released from the retaining means in the deployment unit, and the remote operator instructs the ROV to retreat from the target ordnance. Before initiating a complete retreat, the operator may use a camera on-board the ROV to check that the charge has been attached correctly. If the charge is not correctly attached, a further charge may be attached from a different deployment unit.

(36) Once the ROV has made a complete retreat, the charge may be remotely triggered to detonate, or it may be controlled by a remote line from the MCMV, such as NONEL shock tube, or it may operate on a timer system.

(37) The ROV may then be recovered onboard the MCMV, or where the deployment system comprises more than one deployment unit, a further ordnance may be targeted in the same way as described above.

(38) Where more than one ordnance is targeted in a single sortie, the charges are preferably triggered to detonate only once all required charges have been deployed. The charges may be detonated simultaneously or, more preferably sequentially.

(39) The embodiments and examples described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention may be made and it is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting.