SUBMERSIBLE MOTOR AMPHIBIOUS THRUSTER

SUBMERSIBLE MOTOR THRUSTER SYSTEM IS PROPOSED WHICH OFFERS IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY OF MARINE CORP AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLES. THE SYSTEM IS LESS COMPLEX THAN ALTERNATIVES AND CAN BE EASILY MOUNTED ON A HINGED TRANSOM. THE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTORS MOUNTED ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIPS OF WATERJET PROPELLER BLADES. THE MOTORS AND PROPELLERS ARE SUPPORTED BY BEARINGS ON THE OUTSIDE DIAMETER SO THERE IS NO CENTER SHAFT. INDIVIDUAL PROPELLER/MOTOR SETS CAN BE MOUNTED TOGETHER TO FORM A CONTRAROTATING SYSTEM WITHOUT COMPLEX SHAFTS, BEARINGS, AND SEALS. PHASE I OF THE EFFORT WILL BE FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF A PROPULSOR SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR INSTALLATION IN A SELECTED AMPHIBIOUS VEHICLE. ALL THE NECESSARY MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES WILL BE IDENTIFIED DURING PHASE I SO THEY CAN BE USED IN PHASE II FOR DETAILED DESIGNS AND FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF MODEL HARDWARE FOR TESTING.