Ice-Penetrating Buoy Developed by Navy.

摘要

The U.S. Navy recently developed an ice penetrating buoy. The Navy buoy uses a 2-pound lithium nose cone for penetrating the ice cover. and is launched the same way-as an A size sonobuoy. An oversized parachute and a shock absorber reduce landing impact. At impact, a carbon dioxide charge blows apart the sealed case to expose the lithium nose, sensor, and electronics. On contact with ice or snow, lithium releases large quantities of heat. As the nose cone melts through the ice, the unit's sensor package and cable are towed along; the battery pack, transmitter, and antenna remain on the surface. When the nosecone passes through the ice, it drops away. The sensor then activates and is released through the water below. Data are sent up the cable to the transmitter on to the surface and then on the orbiting aircraft. Keywords: Reprints. (KT)