RU2655592C1 - Method and device for illuminating underwater environment - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of marine engineering and is intended for illuminating the underwater environment. Method of illuminating the underwater environment is proposed, in which the search for underwater objects by an unattended unmanned underwater device (UUD), equipped with a target detection system when it moves along a given route. As UUD is used underwater device with variable buoyancy, on the body of which fix at least one beacon, equip it with a flexible extended towed antenna to search for underwater objects, the radio beacon is equipped with a device for melting ice, with the detection of the underwater target and its recognition recorded data on it on the radio beacon storage device, examine the thickness of the ice cover, in a place where the thickness of the ice corresponds to the target, separate the radio beacon from the body of the UUD and ensure the beaconing of the beacon to the lower edge of the ice where the hole in which the antenna is extended is melted in the ice and raised to the surface for communication with a satellite or an aircraft. Device for illuminating the underwater environment is also proposed.

EFFECT: technical result consists in the possibility of monitoring the underwater environment in a given area for a long time and covertly, if there is an ice cover in it, to promptly transmit the data on the detected object to the control point.

2 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to the field of marine engineering and is intended to illuminate the underwater environment.

It is known that to monitor the underwater environment in the fleets of the world, various measuring devices are used, based on the registration of objects and their physical fields in the aquatic environment. Due to the nature of the distribution of various types of energy in water, the most widely used are hydroacoustic observation devices based on the laws of sound propagation in water.

To search for underwater objects, ships, aviation, stationary systems, as well as underwater vehicles equipped with detection tools, which use hydroacoustic stations (GAS) or systems, radio-acoustic buoys (RSL), explosive sound sources, are used [Naval Dictionary / Ch. ed. V.N. Chernavin. M .: Military Publishing, 1989 .-- 511 p. S. 13, 75, 352], or instruments that measure various physical fields inherent in underwater objects, for example magnetometers [B.I. Rodionov. Anti-submarine forces and fleet assets. - M .: Military Publishing, 1977].

Many elements that are in regular relationships and relationships with each other, forming a certain integrity, unity and subordination to a certain organizing attribute, represent a system, and in conjunction with the methods and rules for their use - a mixed system [Naval Dictionary / Ch. ed. V.N. Chernavin. M .: Military Publishing, 1989]. Ships, aircraft, stationary systems, and technical devices (ASG, RSL and underwater vehicles) used for search are included as constituent elements in the mobile and stationary underwater lighting systems being created. The operating time of the lighting system of the underwater environment can be from several hours to several days for the period it performs search tasks (carriers with ASE, RSL), and also reach several months and even years (underwater vehicles with great autonomy and stationary ASEs).

Existing means of searching and lighting underwater conditions often unmask themselves with the operation of devices emitting various noises. Stationary passive surveillance tools are less noticeable for search objects, but the lack of mobility is their drawback.

Relatively low visibility are self-propelled underwater vehicles developed for oceanological research and marine exploration since the late 1960s. [Autonomous underwater vehicles. Materials of the site of the Institute of Marine Technology Problems of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2002]. Currently, self-propelled uninhabited underwater vehicles (NPA) are considered a priority in the leading sea powers, they are used from surface ships and submarines [I. Belousov. Modern and promising uninhabited underwater vehicles of the US Navy // Foreign Military Review No. 5, 2013. P. 79-88]. Since 1996, the US Navy has been implementing a program for the development of autonomous new-generation anti-aircraft missiles "Manta", designed to detect and destroy submarines, mines and other submarine targets, as well as conduct reconnaissance, and other special tasks [Sidenko KS, Illarionov G.Yu. Submarine and autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle // MRE, No. 2, 2008].

On-board search equipment for self-propelled anti-aircraft guns includes a front and side view GAS, a digital video camera, sensors for measuring sea water parameters (temperature and electrical conductivity). The data obtained are recorded on a hard magnetic drive for subsequent analysis of the results after lifting the NPA on board the carrier. To ensure two-way communication between the control point and the LA in position position using satellite navigation systems and sound communication. For the use of NPA and its management, modules in the dimensions of sea transport containers, a hoisting device, a replaceable set of batteries and an automated workstation (AWP) of the operator are installed on the carrier. The operator’s workstation is equipped with a personal laptop computer and is designed to plan operations, enter data, and display on the color-coded display information about the shape and size of the sonar image of the object [Belousov I. Modern and perspective uninhabited underwater vehicles of the US Navy // Foreign Military Review No. 5, 2013. S. 79-88].

Self-propelled NPAs have a streamlined cylindrical or other shape, means of movement and energy supply, sonar and television means for searching for underwater objects, navigation equipment, communications, a payload compartment, and control devices. To transmit information on the detected underwater objects to the control point, the NPA is equipped with communication equipment with a sonar or radio channel. The accuracy of determining the coordinates of detected NPA objects depends on the errors of its navigation system, to reduce which, especially with long battery life, the NPA is equipped with a satellite navigation system. The frequency of the session to clarify the location of the regulatory acts depends on the required accuracy of navigation and the characteristics of the existing navigation system [Sidenko KS, Illarionov G.Yu. Submarine and autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle // MRE, No. 2, 2008]. In order to remotely control the NPA, use an acoustic modem [Acoustic modem AM-300. http://www.diveservice.ru/].

The self-propelled autonomous self-propelled gun ALTEX is known, used for oceanographic research and marking its trajectory under the ice, for which 12 beacons are loaded onto the air gun. Beacons are able to melt ice and carry a satellite communication antenna to the ice surface. Before releasing the buoy, the NPA reduces the speed to 1 knot, goes to a depth of 50 m and searches for ice up to 1 m thick. Having found a suitable place, the NPA releases a beacon that adheres to the lower edge of the ice, extends the telescopic body and brings it to the point of contact with Ice Composition Pyrosolve-Z. As a result of the interaction of this chemical composition and sea water, an exothermic chemical reaction is launched. The heat generated during the reaction is enough to melt the ice having a thickness of 1 m. An antenna serving to communicate with the satellite extends to the surface from the beacon from the beacon [V.A. Katenin, A.V. Katenin. Mine threat and navigational and hydrographic support for mine action // Defense order, online application No. 15, 2007. http://www.ozakaz.ru/index.php/articles/n-15-06-2007/167-2011- 03-26-18-16-341.

There is a known method of lighting an underwater environment, selected as a prototype of the invention, in which underwater objects are searched using a self-propelled self-propelled gun equipped with a target detection system when driving along a given route, which is installed in its on-board control system before launch, an underwater object is detected by a target detection system transmit information about the target to the control point via an active communication line, classify the detected target, control accuracy at the control point holding the place of the NLA on a given route along the time of its movement under the control of an inertial navigation system and, if it is below the permissible level, shoot a reactive RSL in the zone of operation of the NLA, with the help of which the geographical position of the NLA and the underwater objects discovered by it is specified [Patent RU 2578807 C2. A method of lighting underwater conditions / Novikov A.V., Korneev G.N., Korolev V.E. - M.: FIPS, 2016. Bull. No. 9].

However, the aforementioned method of lighting an underwater environment, based on the use of self-propelled autonomous non-explosive devices, also has disadvantages. Such an NPA is characterized by low secrecy due to the presence of unmasking signs accompanying the operation of its propulsion and propulsion system, the use of an onboard HAS in active mode or sound-communication means, as well as low autonomy, limited by the capabilities of the energy supply system of the means of NPA movement.

In the early 2000s. in the United States autonomous non-volatile variable-buoyancy systems appeared - gliders, the distinguishing feature of which is the complete absence of a propulsion system. Gliders are driven by changing their buoyancy, using it as a driving force. They have great autonomy (up to several months) and low sonar signature. Their equipment with airborne measuring and information systems allows for the secretive collection of hydrological and other information of interest. The glider is controlled by the on-board processor program using the heading system, a reader, a depth gauge, a krenometer and a trimometer. Every 2-3 hours, the glider ascends to a positional position for exchanging data with the control center using the satellite communications system equipment, as well as to determine the location according to the space radio navigation system, the antenna devices of which are mounted on a vertical stabilizer [I. Belousov. Modern and perspective uninhabited underwater vehicles of the US Navy // Foreign Military Review No. 5, 2013. P. 79-88].

The prototype of the proposed device is a glider that carries attachments mounted on the hull as a payload, as well as a 15 m long flexible towed antenna (GPBA) used to search for underwater objects [Aspects of the practical use of underwater gliders based on pilot operation // Journal “New Defense Order”, St. Petersburg, No. 4 (41), 2016. http://dfnc.ru/category/2016-4-41/]. The disadvantages of the glider are the discreteness of communication with the control center (once every 2-3 hours) and the impossibility of its operation under ice.

The objectives of the invention is to develop a method and device for lighting the underwater environment, which are largely devoid of the above disadvantages, that is, they allow to monitor the underwater environment in a given area covertly and for a long time when there is ice on the sea surface and promptly inform the control center about the detected underwater objects .

A method is proposed for illuminating an underwater environment in which an underwater object is searched for by an autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle (NPA) equipped with a target detection system when it moves along a given route, for which a route is set to the onboard control system of the NPA before launch, an underwater object is detected, information about targets to the control point on the existing communication line, classify the detected target, control at the control point the accuracy of the retention of the location of the normative documentation on a given route. In addition, an underwater vehicle with variable buoyancy is used as an NPA, on the body of which at least one beacon is fixed, it is equipped with a flexible extended towed antenna for searching underwater objects, the beacon is equipped with an ice melting device, with the detection of an underwater target and its recognition, record data about it on beacon storage device, a device for determining the thickness of ice inspect the thickness of the ice cover, in a place where the ice thickness corresponds to the specified, separate the beacon from the body SAs and under the influence of its positive buoyancy ensure the beacon floats up and sticks to the lower edge of the ice, where, using an ice melting device, the hole is melted in ice into which the antenna is pulled out and raised to the surface for communication with a satellite or aircraft.

To implement the developed method, an underwater lighting device is proposed, which is an underwater vehicle with variable buoyancy, equipped with on-board control systems, course guidance and target detection with a flexible long towed antenna. Additionally, an attachment unit is installed on the NPA case, to which a beacon is attached, which has a storage device connected to the onboard control system of the NPA, the NPA is equipped with a device for determining the ice thickness, and the beacon with a device for melting ice.

The technical implementation of the proposed method and device for lighting the underwater environment is illustrated by drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 - lighting device underwater environment;

FIG. 2 - a method of lighting an underwater environment.

In FIG. 1 shows an underwater lighting device and its main elements: 1 - NPA case; 2 - horizontal wing; 3 - vertical steering stabilizer; 4 - flexible towed long antenna (GPBA); 5 - hydrophone; 6 - beacon.

In FIG. 2 shows a method of lighting an underwater environment using the proposed device. The numbers indicate: 1 - NPA case; 4 - flexible towed long antenna; 6 - beacon; 7 - layer of ice; 8 - underwater object (target); 9 - trajectory of an underwater object (target); 10 - detection of an underwater object (target) hydrophones GPBA; 11 - the trajectory of the LA; 12 - inspection of the normative legal acts of the thickness of the ice cover; 13 - detachment of the beacon from the NPA; 14 - hole melted in ice; 15 - antenna pop-up beacon; 16 - transmission of information about the detected underwater object (target) from the antenna of the pop-up beacon to the aircraft; 17 - aircraft; 18 - transmission of information about the detected underwater object (target) from the aircraft to the control point.

The technical results of the proposed method and device for lighting the underwater environment are the ability to continuously and covertly monitor the underwater environment in a given area if there is ice in it, to quickly transmit data about the detected object to the control point.

Claims (2)

1. A method of illuminating an underwater environment in which an underwater object is searched for by an autonomous uninhabited underwater vehicle (NPA) equipped with a target detection system when it moves along a given route, for which a route is set to the airborne control system before launch, an underwater object is detected, information is transmitted about the target to the control point on the existing communication line, classify the detected target, control at the control point the accuracy of the retention of the location of the normative documents on a given route, characterized in that then, as an NPA, an underwater vehicle with variable buoyancy is used, on the body of which at least one beacon is fixed, it is equipped with a flexible extended towed antenna for searching for underwater objects, the beacon is equipped with a device for melting ice, with the detection of an underwater target and its recognition, record data about it on a beacon storage device, an ice thickness measuring device, inspect the thickness of the ice cover, in a place where the ice thickness corresponds to a predetermined one, separate the beacon from the RPA body and under the action of its positive buoyancy is provided by the ascent of the beacon and its adhering to the lower edge of the ice, where, using the device for melting ice, the hole is melted in ice into which the antenna is pulled out and raised to the surface to communicate with a satellite or aircraft. 2. The lighting device of the underwater environment, which is an underwater vehicle with variable buoyancy, equipped with on-board control systems, course guidance and target detection with a flexible extended towed antenna, characterized in that an attachment unit is mounted on the housing of the NPA to which a beacon having a storage device is attached, Associated with the onboard control system of the AB, the NPA is equipped with a device for determining the thickness of ice, and a beacon with a device for melting ice.

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