Propelled Tow Body

Abstract

A tow body is provided with an attachment point to connect to a tow cable. The attachment point is positioned nominally at a nonzero angle relative to the length of the tow body. Propulsion components of the body generate thrust. The body is capable of accepting electric power for a propulsion motor within the body. The motor provides the power for the propeller or other propulsion equipment. The power for the motor can also provided by a tow cable. The addition of forward thrust by the propeller decreases cable scope (the need for long lengths of cable) and required winch volume for storing the cable.

1 . A tow body capable of propulsion for use with a tow cable, said tow body comprising:
 a front end;   a rear end located at an end of an extension of said tow body from said front end;   an attachment point positioned on said tow body with said attachment point capable of attachment to the tow cable, said attachment point positioned nominally at a nonzero incidence angle to said front and rear ends of said body;   a propulsion component positioned at said rear end; and   an electric motor within said tow body, said motor electrically connected to said propulsion component with said motor capable of providing power for said propulsion component such that said tow body is capable of propulsion.   
   
   
       2 . The tow body in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising a power supply within said tow body wherein said electric motor is powered by said power supply. 
   
   
       3 . The tow body in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said propulsion component is a set of propellers. 
   
   
       4 . The tow body in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said electric motor is capable of being powered by the tow cable. 
   
   
       5 . The tow body in accordance with  claim 4  wherein said propulsion component is a set of propellers. 
   
   
       6 . The tow body in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said attachment point allows an increased cable angle relative to that of a direction of thrust by the propulsion of said tow body as the magnitude of the thrust is increased such that compression of the tow cable is eliminated. 
   
   
       7 . A tow system capable of propulsion, said tow system comprising:
 a tow body with a front end and a rear end located at an end of an extension of said tow body from said front end with an attachment point positioned on said tow body nominally at a nonzero incidence angle to said front and rear ends of said body and including a propulsion component positioned at said rear end with an electric motor within said tow body, said motor electrically connected to said propulsion component with said motor capable of providing power for said propulsion component such that said tow body is capable of propulsion; and   a tow cable attached at said attachment point with said tow cable capable of being secured to a towing vehicle.   
   
   
       8 . The tow system in accordance with  claim 7  wherein said tow cable contains conductors to supply electric power to said propulsion component and conductors for additional tow-body based mission packages.