Encapsulated Underwater Vehicle Modules

Abstract

An encapsulated module ( 14 ) for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) (V) is formed with an operational component ( 16 ) and encapsulating material ( 60 ). The encapsulant ( 60 ) forms a rigid capsule surrounding the operational component ( 16 ). The capsule ( 14 ) has a least one exterior surface ( 18 ) that assists in forming the exterior surface ( 26 ) of the UUV (V) when the capsule ( 14 ) is combined into the UUV (V).

1 . An encapsulated module for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) comprising:
 an operational component;   encapsulating material forming a rigid capsule surrounding the operational component; the capsule having at least one exterior surface assisting in forming the exterior surface of the UUV when the capsule is combined into the UUV; and   the encapsulating material further including weighted objects for adjusting desired buoyancy of the UUV.   
   
   
       2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the completed UUV is formed comprising a single module. 
   
   
       3 . The invention of  claim 1  further including means for joining the encapsulated module with other encapsulated modules to form the UUV. 
   
   
       4 . The invention of  claim 1  further including means for conveying information out of the capsule to other capsules or a support station. 
   
   
       5 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the encapsulating material is formed from a mixture of a polyurethane component and a wetting agent component. 
   
   
       6 . The invention of  claim 5  wherein the weighted objects comprise beaded material. 
   
   
       7 . A method for preparing an encapsulated module for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) comprising:
 positioning an operational component into a mold;   introducing an encapsulating material into the mold forming a rigid capsule surrounding the operational component; the capsule having at least one exterior surface assisting in forming the exterior surface of the UUV when the capsule is combined into the UUV; and,   introducing into the encapsulating material weighted objects for adjusting desired buoyancy of the UUV.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the completed UUV is formed comprising a single module. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  further including means for joining the encapsulated module with other encapsulated modules to form the UUV. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  further including means for conveying information out of the capsule to other capsules or a support station. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the encapsulating material is formed from a mixture of a polyurethane component and a wetting agent component. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the weighted obiects comprise beaded material.