Posted on 12/05/2013 6:11:02 PM PST by blam
Navy Launches A Drone From A Submerged Submarine
Stephanie Gaskell
Defense One
December 5, 2013
The Naval Research Lab just launched a drone from a submerged submarine – giving a huge edge to the future of special operations.
It took six years to develop and launch an all-electric, fuel cell-powered, folding-wing drone aircraft from a submerged submarine. The eXperimental Fuel Cell Unmanned Aerial System, or XFC UAS, was fired from the submarine's torpedo tube using a “Sea Robin” launch system, which is designed to fit within an empty Tomahawk launch canister used for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The XFC UAS uses an electrically assisted take-off system which lifts the plane vertically out of its container. Once deployed from the submarine, the Sea Robin launch vehicle rose to the ocean surface where it appeared as a spar buoy. The drone then vertically launched and flew a “successful several hour mission demonstrating live video capabilities streamed back to Providence [R.I.], surface support vessels and Norfolk [Va.]” before landing at the Naval Sea Systems Command Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center in the Bahamas.
“This six-year effort represents the best in collaboration of a Navy laboratory and industry to produce a technology that meets the needs of the special operations community," said Dr. Warren Schultz, program developer and manager, NRL. "The creativity and resourcefulness brought to this project by a unique team of scientists and engineers represents an unprecedented paradigm shift in UAV propulsion and launch systems."
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(Excerpt) Read more at defenseone.com ...
I want one!
Me as well. I want mine armed however.
“I want one!”
So do I but not only do I want one that is armed but one that can then land back on the submarine or at least be recovered by the submarine.
Good point; I also want the submarine.
Very cool!
i would just like to have a submarine
Maybe these scientists could examine the federal deficit.
Been there, done that
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYlJNWdt0uE
Bwaaa haaa haa ha
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
i think i am amending my last statement to i just want the chance to go down
That looks like one I saw in Minnesota, in a sort of combination Antique shop/junkyard. They also had a RV/parade float which looked like a rocket ship.
Look! It's the USS Barack Obama on her maiden voyage!
LOL!
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