The Cormorant, a stealthy, jet-powered, autonomous aircraft that could be outfitted with either short range weapons or surveillance equipment, is designed to launch out of the trident missile tubes of the U.S. Navy's gigantic Cold War class submariner. These formerly nuke toting subs which became less useful in the military climate has evolved to favor surgical strikes over nuclear stalemates, but the Cormorant could use their now vacant tubes to provide another unmanned option for spying on or destroying target near the coast.
The Cormorant has to be strong enough to withstand the pressure of 150 feet underwater and manage not to give its position away.
The Skunk Work's answer is a four-ton airplane with gull wings that hinge around its body to fit inside the missile tube. The craft is made of titanium to resist corrosion, and any empty spaces are filled with plastic foam to resist crushing. The rest of the body is pressurized with energy gas. Inflatable seals keep the weapon-bay doors, engine inlet and exhaust covers watertight.
The Cormorant does not shoot out of its tube like a missile. Instead an arm-like docking "saddle" guides the craft out, sending it floating to the surface while the sub slips away. As the drone pops out of the water, the rocket boosters fire and the Cormorant take off. After completing its mission, the plane flies to the rendezvous to coordinate messages it receives from the sub and lands in the sea. The sub then launches a robotic underwater vehicle to fetch the floating drone.
Source: Science Discoverer volume XII
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