Stacked Munitions Launcher and Method Therefor

Abstract

A system for launching a plurality of projectiles from a single launch tube is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to sequentially throw a first projectile and a second projectile. The first projectile is thrown while the second projectile is temporarily restrained within the launch tube.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The underlying concepts, but not necessarily the language, of the following cases are incorporated by reference:[0002](1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 899,234, filed 26 Jul. 2004;[0003](2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 278,988, filed 7 Apr., 2006;[0004](3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 428,697, filed 5 Jul., 2006;[0005](4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 535,480, filed 26 Sept., 2006;and[0006](5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 773,146, filed 3 Jul., 2007.If there are any contradictions or inconsistencies in language between this application and one or more of the cases that have been incorporated by reference that might affect the interpretation of the claims in this case, the claims in this case should be interpreted to be consistent with the language in this case.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0007]The present invention relates to munitions in general, and, more particularly, to munition launchers.BACKGROUND OF THE I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a launcher for propelling multiple projectiles without the costs and disadvantages associated with current launchers. The launcher comprises an electromagnetic propulsion system that uses a removable cartridge containing multiple projectiles. The cartridge is secured within the propulsion system by a passively-actuated restraint that immobilizes each projectile with respect to the cartridge. The restraint can be an electrically-conductive loop or another structure that is operatively or mechanically coupled to the projectile. The launcher uses a flow of electric current through a propulsion coil to generate force to propel each projectile from the cartridge. The method involves engaging the cartridge and the electromagnetic propulsion system, propelling one projectile, and disengaging the cartridge from the propulsion system. The technical effects of this invention include improved efficiency, reduced costs, and improved reliability for propelling multiple projectiles.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional countermeasure launchers have certain drawbacks that limit their effectiveness, however.

First, such systems offer limited flexibility in projectile placement.

Furthermore, the propulsive force from the chemical propellant of each missile is not controllable.

As a consequence, effective decoy placement requires that a vessel undergo complicated maneuvers prior to and after launch.

Thirdly, after launch, the launcher must be cleaned and reloaded.

In the case of a countermeasure launcher, this renders the vessel relatively more vulnerable to attack.

In the case of a multi-cell offensive weapon, this renders the launcher impotent for a period of time.

Finally, as the number of launchers or launch tubes increases, the size of the launch system grows and contributes significantly to deck clutter.

This also increases the complexity and cost of the launch system.

Electromagnetic launchers mitigate some of the disadvantages associated with the use of chemical propellants; however, prior art electromagnetic launchers are limited to the launch of a single projectile per launch tube.

An electromagnetic propulsion system requires greater infrastructure and is more complex than a chemical propellant propulsion system, which exacerbates the problems associated with deck clutter and overall system cost.

Images