Projectile launching apparatus

Abstract

Barrel assemblies (10) each include a plurality of projectiles (11) arranged in-line within barrel (12) and associated with discrete selectively ignitable propellant charges (13) for propelling projectiles (11) through the muzzle of barrel (12). Projectiles (11) are intended for civilian or non-military purposes and include holding body (17) in which matter or objects may be transported. Projectiles (11) are arranged with one another and barrel (12) so as to prevent rearward travel of an ignited propellant charge to the trailing propellant charge. The matter or objects contained within holding body (17) may include explosive charges for seismic exploration, fire retardants, fire extinguishing means, pyrotechnics, herbicide, insecticide, fertiliser or seeds. Methods of delivering loaded projectiles (11) for civilian purposes are claimed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to methods of and apparatus for delivering loaded projectiles for civilian purposes. [0002] The civilian purposes which may be embraced by this invention include, but are not limited to: [0003] seismic exploration utilising explosive signal generators in the form of projectiles launched from a site remote from the location to be explored; [0004] target specific fire fighting utilising projectiles containing fire retardant; [0005] launching projectiles containing matter or objects to be delivered rapidly to a site remote from the launch site, such as difficult to access sites for subsequent retrieval from a containment part of the projectile, and [0006] launching projectiles containing matter to be dispersed from the a projectile in flight above a target zone, such as dispersal of fire retardants or insecticides or other treatment. [0007] This invention has particular application to launching projectiles from a barrel having a plurality o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0027] Such a method will provide for rapid exploration of large areas, particularly when the detection and recording of the seismic waves is achieved by suitable airborne laser or infra red means. Over water a similar capability may be introduced by the use of trailing hydrophones.

[0035] The control means may permit a test firing of a non-active projectile preliminary to firing a desired volley of active projectiles for dousing the blaze. The control means may control the rate of fire and / or direction of selected or each barrel assembly. The vehicle may contain pods of barrels each loaded with projectiles adapted for treating specific fire types, such as an electrical fire or a chemical fire and the control means may permit firing only the appropriate barrels or sequence of loaded barrel types to achieve the desired result.

[0043] The projectiles may be formed of biodegradable material to prevent long term accumulation of refuse at sites to which material is delivered by the method of this invention.

Problems solved by technology

While this method is effective the cost of drilling and placement of the charges, mostly in remote areas, is extremely high.

Such systems may have means to vary the frequency of vibration and amplitude of the pulse but such variations are also limited by the mechanical constraints of the particular equipment utilised.

Use of these methods is limited to vehicle accessible areas.

However this method is difficult to employ in remote areas and its cost of utilisation in such remote areas is high.

There are also significant constraints on the signal type which may be generated, especially utilising mechanical vibration apparatus which of necessity must be by extremely large machines.

This has limitations imposed by the time required to target the fire and the ability to closely position a nozzle to direct and supply the water or retardant to the site of the fire.

Images