EXPLOSIVE SALVAGE ANCHOR DESIGN 

 General 



The explosive salvage anchor constructed to this point is a steel 

 construction comprised of two major features, a reusable launch vehicle 

 and an anchor-projectile, Figure 4. The overall assembly is 12 feet 

 high and has a circular base 10 feet in diameter, and weighs about 

 12,500 pounds. The launch vehicle supports and orients the anchor- 

 projectile prior to firing, then propels it into the seafloor. The 

 anchor-projectile embeds into the seafloor and becomes an anchor. It 

 is not intended to be retrievable. A piston that inserts into the 

 gun barrel forms part of the anchor-projectile. A prototype coral 

 anchor-projectile with piston is shown in Figure 5. Other features 

 essential to the functioning and application of the explosive salvage 

 anchor assembly include down-haul cables, bridle cable, mechanical 

 cable release device, and ordnance system, Figures 6, 7, and 8. 



In operation, the anchor assembly is lowered to the seafloor and 

 fired. As the anchor-projectile ejects, it pulls the mechanical cable 

 release freeing the beach gear leg attachment from the side of the 

 launch vehicle. The down-haul cables trail the anchor-projectile into 

 the seafloor. The launch vehicle then is retrieved for reuse in firing 

 other anchor-projectiles. 



In addition to the basic anchor system, two features intended to 

 facilitate the assembling and handling of the anchor on shipboard were 

 designed and fabricated. One feature, a collapsible staging framework, 

 would be stowed aboard the ship in a disassembled state, then assembled 

 to assist in preparing the anchor for firing. The second feature, a 

 simple housing frame to stabilize and position the launch vehicle on 

 deck prior to and after firing, also would be stowed disassembled when 

 not in use. The staging and housing proved not to be necessary and are 

 not discussed further. 



Launch Vehicle 



The launch vehicle consists of a gun barrel, three hull sections, 

 and three struts that connect the gun barrel and the hull sections, 

 Figure 6. The gun barrel is fabricated from a flanged steel billet 

 with strut attachment bars welded to it. The hull sections are all 

 welded structures that are connected together and to the struts by 

 bolts and gusset plates. Stiffener bulkheads, perimeter ribs, and 

 bottom support frames are incorporated to increase their strength. When 

 assembled the three hull sections form the circular-shaped reaction 

 vessel. 



