Air-deployable expendable ice buoy

Abstract

An Air-Deployable Expendable Ice Buoy (AXIB) that can withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles and operate equally well in ice prone ocean or fresh water. The AXIB can be dropped from an airborne platform, land on an ice surface, right itself to the vertical position, anchor and stabilize itself in the ice, withstand several freeze-thaw cycles and continue to transmit data while anchored to the ice or floating in the ocean. The unique hull design of the AXIB allows it to withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles and continue to function. The AXIB is particularly well suited for deployment and utilization in any ice zone where repeated freeze-thaw cycles occur.

1 . A data transmitting air deployable ice buoy for use in transmitting data from marginal ice zones comprising:
 a. a tapered hull,   b. a multi-section telescoping mast,   c. a sensor package,   d. a power source,   e. a detachable parachute deployment cone to protect the mast and communications package during descent,   f. a flexible mast joint,   g. an ice anchor/ballast rod, and   h. at least three erection legs.   
     
     
         2 . A data transmitting air deployable ice buoy as in  claim 1  where the tapered hull comprises inverted conical sections, low angle lifting ribs, and a smooth, hard surface such that the buoy will lift up instead of being crushed by encroaching ice. 
     
     
         3 . A data transmitting air deployable ice buoy as in  claim 2  where the tapered hull ranges between 55 and 89 degrees from the horizontal and the low angle lifting ribs range between 5 and 45 degrees from the horizontal. 
     
     
         4 . An ice buoy as in  claim 1  where there are internal braces to provide additional resistance to the crushing forces of the ice. 
     
     
         5 . An ice buoy as in  claim 1  where the electronics are encased in an internal liner to protect them from water. 
     
     
         6 . An ice buoy as in  claim 5  where the liner is encased in foam to provide reserve buoyancy in the event of water breach. 
     
     
         7 . A data transmitting surface deployable ice buoy for use in transmitting data from marginal ice zones comprising:
 a. a hull,   b. a multi-section telescoping mast,   c. a sensor package,   d. a power source,   e. a detachable deployment cone to protect the mast and communications package during handling,   f. a flexible mast joint, and   g. an ice anchor.   
     
     
         8 . A data transmitting surface deployable ice buoy as in  claim 7  where the hull comprises inverted conical sections, low angle lifting ribs, and a smooth, hard surface such that the buoy will lift up instead of being crushed by encroaching ice. 
     
     
         9 . A data transmitting air deployable ice buoy as in  claim 8  where the tapered hull ranges between 55 and 89 degrees from the horizontal and the low angle lifting ribs range between 5 and 45 degrees from the horizontal. 
     
     
         10 . An ice buoy as in  claim 7  where there are internal braces to provide additional resistance to the crushing forces of the ice. 
     
     
         11 . An ice buoy as in  claim 7  where the electronics are encased in an internal liner to protect them from water. 
     
     
         12 . An ice buoy as in  claim 11  where the liner is encased in foam to provide reserve buoyancy in the event of water breach. 
     
     
         13 . An ice buoy as in  claims 1  and  7  where the mast is non-telescoping.