Discussion

During the tests, the following problems were observed:

• The drag imposed on the torpedo quickly dissipates the kinetic energy given to it during launch.
• Difficulty in maintaining system watertightness. Part of the working fluid flows between the torpedo and the inner walls of the guide tube. This problem persisted even after adjustments of the external diameter of the torpedoes.
• The recoil caused by the ejection of water that accumulates in the portion of the guide tube ahead of the nose may be deleterious to the navigation and positioning of the AUV after launch. It is desirable that mechanical work is applied to the torpedo in a smoother manner.