Submarine weapon launch system using an external impulse tank

摘要

A submarine weapon launch system utilizing an external impulse tank. A submarine has at least one cylindrical torpedo tube that has a breechward section residing within the pressure hull of the submarine and a muzzleward section residing outside the pressure hull. An impulse tank is mounted outside the pressure hull provides impulse water to the breechward section of the torpedo tube. A hull insert encases a space about a portion of both the breechward and muzzleward sections of the torpedo tube. The hull insert provides for venting of the encased space to the impulse tank outside the pressure hull and for venting of the encased space to the breechward section within the pressure hull. The hull insert protects the torpedo tube from pressure hull distortions while the encased space transports impulse water from the impulse tank to the breechward section of the torpedo tube.