An efficient bio-inspired designs are optimal for straight long distance travels with lesser maneuverability requirements (thus lesser complexities in control system design and better propulsive efficiency for the major part of the mission) and that the conventional designs with rotary thrusters are optimal for more complex motions with lesser complexities in control system design, so a hybrid underwater vehicle design with a bio-inspired underwater caudal fin type thruster and conventional rotary thrusters on a two axis rotary mount is found to be promising. This design will enable the operator to use the more efficient bio-inspired thruster for long distance straight line navigations and the conventional rotary thrusters during situations demanding complex maneuvering operations, thus combining the advantages of both types of propulsion systems. Such functionality for a hybrid design is found to be novel and useful for much of the underwater observation missions. Novel designs for bio-inspired propulsion systems, body design and propeller configurations are adapted for such a hybrid design.
展开▼
