Patent 12091144 was granted and assigned to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. on September, 2024 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The system and method of retractable solar arrays for underwater vehicles. In some cases, the retractable solar arrays for underwater vehicles contain anti-biofouling mechanisms. The retractable solar arrays may extend in a linear or a fan-like manner. In some cases, the solar array may be wrapped around the outside of the underwater vehicle or within a cylindrical housing. In some cases the solar array is a single flexible member with a series of connected panels.