The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jul. 11, 2017

Filed:

Feb. 20, 2015
Applicant:

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);

Inventors:

Russell M. Sylvia, South Dartmouth, MA (US);

Robert P. Gordon, Jr., North Attleboro, MA (US);

Martin C. Lewis, Plymouth, MA (US);

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B63G 8/08 (2006.01); B63G 8/00 (2006.01); B63G 8/22 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
B63G 8/001 (2013.01); B63G 8/08 (2013.01); B63G 8/22 (2013.01); B63G 2008/004 (2013.01);
Abstract

An AUV is described that includes an external, deployable payload releasably attached to the exterior of the AUV. The release mechanism between the payload and the AUV is relatively simple and low cost. The payload is mounted external to the AUVs hull and does not significantly increase the cost of the AUV to which it is attached. There are no complex release mechanisms or intermediate launch systems attached to the AUV. Therefore, the described AUV can deploy payloads, such as sensors, that would normally be deployed from a manned platform. This can increase the payload capability of a small expendable AUV without increasing volume or cost of the AUV.


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