(Dec 2011)
(Right) SLV lauch stages (Left) Switchblade UAV
In a project started in 2007, AreoVironment developed a submarine launching UAV for the U.S. Navy via Raytheon. (A typical circuitous project development path.) A submerged launch vehicle (SLV) is jettisoned from the waste port of a sub. From there, it descends to a safe distance where it sheds weight and inflates a "float collar."
The float collar is "pulsed" to control its travel to the surface. As it reaches the top, a water-drogue is deployed to slow its accent more and provide stabilization, while a wind vane then extends to alight the eject port properly. At 35 degrees the folded wing UAV, dubbed Switchblade, is launched.
The fully scalable, fully expendable, Switchblade is packed with the state of the art in surveillance. The Beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) system (via satellite) allows the UAV to gather reconnaissance to and from anywhere. Direct control or autonomous flight can take it to the target. Real time GPS can relay coordinates. An onboard video camera can also relay a live stream. The Switchblade can either glide silently or use a "quiet" on-board motor for self-propelling.
This is part of a sole-source contract awarded to Raytheon for the Navy's Submarine Over the Horizon Organic Capabilities program. It is advantageous to be the only option. No matter how elaborate the mechanism, it is the best solution. If only my projects were accepted with the same metality.
Here is a dramatic demonstration of the Switchblade lauched from a land-based lauching system.
Cabe
