The full explanation is on the jump, but basically the UAV goes out the trash tube in a canister, floats to the surface and launches.
The two big questions that instantly pop to my mind are 1) Where did that UAV come from? and 2) How do they intend to recover it?Raytheon's caption for the submarine-launched UAV graphic:
(fig. 1) A significant mass is added to the SOTHOC submarine launch vehicle to allow safe separation from the submarine when it is ejected from the TDU (Trash Disposal Unit); (fig. 2) the center of buoyancy and center of gravity of the SLV are offset along the longitudinal axis; after the SLV separates from the submarine, it revolves around the center of buoyancy and begins to shed the deployment weights; the SLV then travels unconstrained to the programmed maximum depth before returning to the surface; (fig. 3) a float collar adds buoyancy to bring unit to surface; (fig. 4) a wind vane deploys; (fig. 5) the water drogue assures stabilization at the surface; (fig. 6) wind vane helps adjust tube direction as required, the launch tube pivots to a 35-degree angle for UAS launching.
on October 24, 2008 8:39 PM | Reply
How about the concept of the germans for starting a UAV from a hoistable mast:
http://maschinenbau.gabler-luebeck.de/en/entwicklungen/eigenschutz/index.html
on October 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Reply
Isn't a sub by definition "underwater"?
on October 25, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply
Quote: "2) How do they intend to recover it?"
After a sucessfull mission the UAV will be destroyed through a controlled crash or through self-destruction.
Maybe in less situations it could be recovered by ground forces or by SEAL's.
A similar system is likely to be mounted on the 2nd batch of Type 212 submarines for the German Navy.
The mini UAV "EMT Aladin" will be launched by the a retractable mast "Triple M".
Slán, fightingirish
on October 27, 2008 12:43 PM | Reply
Isn't this the kind of thing that's like putting up a big flag of where your sub is? Or is the UAV a stealth UAV?
on October 27, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply
Well, I kinda have to wonder what it would be like moving something like that cannister around in a submarine.
Storage is always a problem and then moving something that big around the passage ways would probably make for interesting times.