Importance

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Abstract

A submarine radar antenna mast extension, retraction and rotation mechanism comprises a ball drive screw attached to the mast with a ball drive nut threaded to the screw. A rotary tube surrounds the mast with the mast keyed for translation within the rotary tube and prevented from rotation with respect to the rotary tube. An outer tube surrounds the rotary tube and effects a static hull penetration seal with respect to the submarine. The rotary tube rotates within the outer tube, but is prevented from translation with respect thereto. A brake/indexing assembly geared to the rotary tube selectively releases the rotary tube for rotation or locks the rotary tube to an indexed position for extension and retraction. A single bi-directional hydraulic drive motor geared to the ball drive nut effects mast extension and retraction by applying the brake to prevent rotary tube rotation. The drive motor effects mast rotation by releasing the brake. A primary seal assembly at the top of the outer tube contains a removable seal cartridge containing separate seals for sealing against translational and rotational motions, respectively.

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First Claim