Ships – Torpedoes – With homing means
Patent
1997-02-03
1998-03-31
Carone, Michael J.
Ships
Torpedoes
With homing means
89 111, 367133, F42B 1901
Patent
active
057341214
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a sensor system particularly for heavy torpedoes intended for long-range launching (over 30 km).
Historically torpedoes have always entrusted their forward part with the role of antenna for acquisition and tracking of the target (ship).
Given its size, the possible shapes of the forward part of the torpedo (flat, ogive or hemispherical) and the laying precision required of the system, the antenna frequencies currently employed are higher than 20 KHz, which results in a somewhat modest acquisition range, of the order of a few kilometers.
Consequently, torpedoes with the sensor systems currently in use cannot be employed for long ranges (of the order of 30 km) in that the low acquisition ranges do not make it possible to compensate for significant errors in the position of the target at the time of launching.
On the other hand, it is not feasible to use very low frequency sensors in the forward part of the torpedo since the antenna size would not be sufficient for the directivity needed.
The solution currently adopted is to use, a group of high frequency sensors, with a range of about two-three kilometers, and a group of medium frequency sensors, with a range of about four-six kilometers, all in the forward part of the torpedo, an arrangement which presents the limits mentioned above and is therefore subject to the counteracquisition range of the target, which will be discussed below.
The aim of the invention is to overcome the above limits, making it possible to match the increased acquisition capability of the launch platforms to the requirements foreseen for modern weapon configurations.
The aim is achieved, according to the invention, by providing for a further group of low-frequency sensors distributed along the sides of the torpedo, in addition to the high and medium frequency sensors arranged in the forward part of the torpedo.
With such a sensor distribution, the system can operate in long-range launch conditions, even if there is a significant error in the knowledge of the target position when the launches are carried out.
In fact, the acquisition range of the low-frequency sensors distributed along the sides of the weapon is considerably greater than that of the sensors in the forward part, and is certainly able to compensate for the uncertainties in the target position.
Moreover, by analyzing the ability of a ship to detect an attacking torpedo and that of the torpedo to detect the target ship, i.e. the counteracquisition and acquisition abilities, it is possible to adjust the speed of the torpedo, so that it conducts the attack without the target being able to react with the necessary timeliness.
Further characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description that follows, referring to a purely exemplary and therefore non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a torpedo with an ogive head, equipped with a sensor system according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross section showing the arrangement of the additional lateral sensors according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the front part of a flat-headed torpedo;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the areas covered by the various groups of sensors disposed on the torpedo;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the variation in the acquisition capability of the torpedo and the counteracquisition capability of the ship with the torpedo at different speeds and equipped with side antennas of different measurements.
FIG. 1 shows a heavy torpedo 1, intended for long-range launches (over 30 km) provided with a sensor system according to the invention.
In particular, 2 indicates the area intended for the currently used high and medium frequency sensors, situated in the forward part of the weapon, whereas 3 indicates the additional area intended for the low-frequency sensors distributed on the sides of the torpedo 1.
The situation is the same in FIG. 3, where the arrangement in area 2 of the high and medi
REFERENCES:
patent: 3738270 (1973-06-01), Hargett et al.
patent: 4372239 (1983-02-01), Hagelberg et al.
patent: 5099746 (1992-03-01), Gustavsson et al.
patent: 5450805 (1995-09-01), Beach et al.
Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 7, No. 253 (P-235), Nov. 10, 1983.
Carone Michael J.
Lattig Matthew J.
Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei SpA
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