Systems Engineering Associates Corporation

David A Lussier

Gary R Berlam

Daniel M Godfrey

Andrew Delisle

Philip M Torrence

Kenneth G Sharpe

Michael J Lanowy

Mark A Rodrigues

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system provides for UAV deployment and remote, unattended operation with reduced logistics requirements. The system includes a launcher that can include one or more launch tubes, each launch tube configured to house a UAV in a canister and one or more gas generators operatively connected to each canister and configured to push the UAV out of the launch tube by releasing gas into the canister. A controller for activating the gas generators can sequentially, and with a predetermined time delay, expel the UAV with a desired velocity and acceleration. The system further includes a UAV recovery device, a power supply, a security subsystem, a command and control subsystem and a communications subsystem. Command, control and communications can be provided between a remote station and the UAV.

Systems and methods for deployment and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles

A retrofitable breech is disclosed for use on existing tubes for launching vehicles, such as torpedoes. The breech utilizes gas generators such as commercial off the shelf automotive airbag inflators, for propelling the torpedo from the tube. A plurality, typically three or four, generators are used and are fired in sequence with a controlled time delay. A retrofitable device is also disclosed for activating the weapons securing mechanism to release the torpedo. In addition, a release mechanism is disclosed for pulling the electrical connector plug on the torpedo. The sequence of releasing the torpedo, retraction of the plug and firing the inflators is controlled by a controller upon initiation of the firing sequence.

Torpedo launch mechanism and method

Growing community of inventors

Exeter, RI, United States of America

David A Lussier