Modular Payload Boxes and Autonomous Water Vehicle Configured to Accept Same

Abstract

A modular payload system for an autonomous water vehicle includes a hull formed with a recessed portion that extends longitudinally over a region where a transverse cross section of a lower portion of the recess is constant along the region. A plurality of payload boxes are sized to fit in the recess and be distributed along the longitudinal axis. A transverse cross section of a lower portion of each payload box is configured complementarily with the lower portion of the recess. The payload boxes can be sized so that one payload box has a longitudinal dimension that is an integral multiple of the longitudinal dimension of the second payload box. The payload boxes can have complementarily positioned external electrical connectors to allow a jumper cable to serially connect the payload boxes.

1 . A modular payload system for an autonomous water vehicle comprising:
 a hull having a longitudinal axis, the hull being formed with a recessed portion that extends longitudinally over a region where a transverse cross section of a lower portion of the recess is constant along the region;   a plurality of payload boxes sized to fit in the recess and be distributed along the longitudinal axis, wherein a transverse cross section of a lower portion of each payload box is configured complementarily with the lower portion of the recess.   
     
     
         2 . The modular payload system of  claim 1  wherein:
 the plurality of payload boxes includes first and second payload boxes; and 
 the first payload box has a longitudinal dimension that is an integral multiple of a longitudinal dimension of the second payload box. 
 
     
     
         3 . The modular payload system of  claim 1  wherein at least first and second payload boxes have complementarily positioned external electrical connectors to allow a jumper cable to serially connect the payload boxes.