Propulsion of underwater vehicles using differential and vectored thrust

摘要

An underwater or submersible vehicle including an elongated body having a substantially ellipsoidal forward section, a substantially cylindrical mid-section, and a tapered aft section having an internal vectored thrust propulsion system for propelling and maneuvering the vehicle through a fluid operating environment. At least two discharge nozzles are located along a horizontal beam on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline in the aft section for providing differential and/or vectored thrust for propelling and maneuvering the vehicle through the fluid operating environment. The vehicle can also includes at least two backing nozzles capable of one or more of differential and vectored thrust for providing a backing and/or athwartships thrust to slow, stop, reverse, and maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle can also includes secondary thrust-driven propulsion system located in the forward section for providing a secondary differential and/or vectored thrust. In addition, the vehicle can include a stern configuration including a wedge-shaped tapered stern section defining a space that provides an increased volume over conventional conical shaped tapered stern section for wet or dry storage. The vehicle can also include a distributed power generation, distribution, and control system, a modular design, and redundancy for flexibility in the arrangement of machinery and equipment and improved survivability.