John Michael Rapp

US Patent:

20200208952, Jul 2, 2020

Filed:

Jan 2, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/732659

Inventors:

- Washington DC, US
Benjamin Gary CONAWAY - Gaithersburg MD, US
John Walter RAPP - Manassas VA, US
John GRANIER - Round Rock TX, US

International Classification:

F42C 15/40
B63G 8/28
F42B 19/00
B63G 8/00

Abstract:

An article comprising an electronic safe-arm and fire (ESAF) device for a supercavitating cargo round (SCR) includes discrete electronics, a high-voltage capacitor, a high-voltage switch, and an exploding foil initiator. The discrete electronics includes digital-delay timer circuits, discrete logic circuits, accelerometers, and circuitry for enabling the high-voltage switch. In a method for implementing the safe and arm protocols, sensor readings from sensors on a weaponized UUV are obtained and, when certain conditions are achieved, remove inhibit signals are forwarded to a controller onboard the UUV. When such signals are received in a specified order, and within certain optional specified time delays, the controller arms the ESAF within the SCR. After the SCR fire and leaves the barrel on the UUV, the ESAF monitors certain acceleration/deceleration conditions unique to supercavitation, and applies same to determine whether to detonate the SCR's energetic payload.