Dynamic modeling and underwater configuration analysis of fiber optic cable for UUV-launched UAV

The advancement of artificial intelligence has enabled UUVs to provide asymmetrical capabilities in various domains, particularly in the preparation of the battle space. With the development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, fiber-optic wire-guided UUV-launched UAV may provide the real-time communication including target information, communication relay and command issuance for UUVs. When the UAV produces relative motion between itself and the submerged UUV, the length and configuration of the fiber cable change greatly, the near-field environment is complex, and there is a risk of winding the hull. Additionally, the fiber cable is fragile and cannot withstand the excessive bending deformation due to the communication principle, so it is crucial to investigate the configuration changes of underwater fiber cables during UAV and UUV maneuvering. In this paper, based on the lumped mass method, the numerical calculation model of variable length cable is established, and the numerical solver is compiled to simulate the optic cable of UAV underwater navigation and UUV maneuvering. The dynamic simulation of cable variable length release is realized, and the influence of various dynamic parameters of UAV and UUV on the configuration of variable length cable is analyzed. •Based on the lumped mass method, the numerical calculation model of variable length cable is established.•The motion response of the fiber cable during the motion between UAV and UUV is obtained and analyzed.•The influence of various dynamic parameters on the configuration of variable length cable is obtained.