| 摘要 |
<p>There is described an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) and a launch mechanism mounted within/upon such a UUV. The invention provides a mechanism for launching a payload from a maritime vessel comprising: first, second and third connection members (22a, 22b, 22c), each configured to be connected to a roof portion of a payload bay of the vessel; guide means (24,26,28) configured to move between a first, stowed position, substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vessel and a second, deployed position orientated at an angle to the longitudinal axis; a locking strut (30), depending from a first connection member (22a), located substantially perpendicular therefrom and extending to a support surface (28) of the guide means in its stowed position; an extendable strut (44), connected between a second connection member (22b) and a mid- section of the support surface; and a clamping assembly (50), depending from a third connection member (22c), the clamping assembly configured to provide a pivot point (54) for preventing relative translational movement of the guide means whilst permitting rotational movement of the guide means relative to the vessel. A method of launching a payload from a maritime vessel is also described.</p> |
