home | lewin's resume | contact lewin | zws.com
vintage computing | coin-op games | technical docs | mp3 music

you are here: home | e-2 submarine | erb

The ERB is an independently-powered acoustic and visual beacon designed to assist in vehicle recovery if an emergency condition (e.g. entanglement) precludes normal surfacing.

Physically, the ERB is a small, potted electronic module within a positively buoyant, fluorescent float. In normal operations, the ERB is restrained by a chain containing one frangible (pyrotechnic) link. At VCM command, the pyro device is fired to release the ERB, which ascends, if possible, and remains tethered to the E-2 by a length of fishing line. 500 feet of line are spooled within the ERB.

Several different conditions can trigger ERB deployment, such as low HP air manifold pressure, ambient overpressure for an extended period (indicating VCM inability to maintain nominal depth), and so forth. A failsafe barometric switch will release the ERB at an ambient pressure of approximately 75 PSIA.

ERB signaling modes include cyclic (0.1Hz, 500ms) 3kHz and 30kHz acoustic signals and 1/3Hz visual beacons.

Pyro power is provided by a dedicated primary battery in the E-2. ERB power is provided by a dedicated primary battery within the ERB potting layer. These batteries are intended for replacement at the start of each mission. Replacement of the ERB battery requires partial decapsulation, resealing and requalification of the ERB electronics module.

Item	Specification / Notes
ERB battery, standby	700 days
ERB battery, operation	150 hours (Continuous sequence; 500ms 3kHz acoustic ping followed by 500ms 30kHz acoustic ping, once per ten seconds, and one strobe flash per 3 seconds)
Pyro battery, standby	700 days
ERB pressure immunity	250PSIA, indefinite

This page is largely a placeholder; further content is coming soon.