Modular and multipurpose system for launching ammunition and naval platform comprising at least one such system

Abstract

This modular and versatile system for multiple launches in particular of ammunition such as rockets or missiles, of the type comprising means (2) forming a base stand that are designed to receive means (3) forming a means support frame (4) forming a means receiving box (5, 6) in the form of a replaceable holder for receiving ammunition, is characterised in that the means in the form of a holder comprise at least one removable and replaceable main holder (6) that is designed to receive at least one removable and replaceable secondary holder (7) for receiving the ammunition.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Modular and versatile munitions launch system and naval platform comprising at least one such system

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular and versatile multiple launch system, in particular for munitions such as rockets or missiles.

[0004] It also concerns a naval platform comprising at least one such system.

[0005] We already know in the state of the art, systems for launching munitions of this type, which include means forming a saddle for supporting and fixing the system to any support, such as for example a military vehicle or other.

[0006] In fact, we have seen in the state of the art that this type of system can be mounted on wheeled vehicles, tracked vehicles, etc.

[0007] The means forming a base and fixing saddle are then adapted to receive means forming a support frame for means forming a receiving box for means in the form of a replaceable basket for receiving ammunition.

[0008] These munitions are, for example, rockets or missiles.

[0009] Of course, other types of munitions can be considered, as well as elements other than munitions such as sensors or means of observing the environment....

[0010] This type of system, well known in the state of the art, however has a certain number of drawbacks.

[0011] In fact, the handling of ammunition and in particular the means in the form of replaceable baskets for receiving this ammunition is relatively heavy and requires a large number of qualified personnel.

[0012] Furthermore, these munitions handling operations present risks for operators and cannot be transposed to all areas of application, particularly when it comes to installing this type of system on platforms such as naval platforms.

[0013] The aim of the invention is therefore to solve these problems.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a modular and versatile system for multiple launches, in particular of munitions such as rockets or missiles, of the type comprising means forming a base saddle adapted to receive means forming a support frame for means forming a receiving box for means in the form of a replaceable basket for receiving munitions, characterized in that the basket-shaped means comprise at least one removable and replaceable main basket, adapted to receive at least one removable and replaceable secondary basket for receiving munitions.

[0015] According to other characteristics of the system according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

[0016] - the box-forming means are movable into a substantially vertical position, for loading / unloading the basket-forming means for receiving ammunition; the rear end of the box-forming means comprises deflector-forming means, movable between a closed position and an open position;

[0017] - it includes inspection and / or maintenance hatches;

[0018] - the basket-shaped means have handling hooks allowing their loading / unloading.

[0019] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a naval platform comprising at least one such system.

[0020] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0021] [Fig.1] [Fig.2] Figures 1 and 2 represent perspective views of a modular and versatile multiple launch munitions system according to the invention;

[0022] [Fig.3] [Fig.4] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 represent perspective views illustrating the loading / unloading of ammunition baskets in a system according to the invention and;

[0023] [Fig.7] [Fig.8] [Fig.9] Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate various characteristics, including the presence of a deflector and inspection hatches in such a system.

[0024] These figures, and in particular figures 1 and 2, illustrate a modular and versatile system for multiple launches, particularly of munitions such as rockets or missiles.

[0025] This system is designated by the general reference 1 in these figures and it conventionally comprises means forming a base and fixing saddle designated by the general reference 2. These means make it possible, for example, to fix the system according to the invention to any support structure or platform, such as in particular a naval platform.

[0026] This platform can then be equipped with one or more systems of this nature.

[0027] These means forming a base and fixing saddle 2 are adapted to receive means forming a chassis designated by the general reference 3.

[0028] These means include, for example, cheeks or side plates.

[0029] These chassis-forming means 3 are adapted to constitute a support for box-forming means, designated by the general reference 4, for receiving means in the form of a replaceable basket for receiving ammunition.

[0030] Generally speaking, these means forming a basket for receiving ammunition are designated by the general reference 5 in these figures.

[0031] In fact, ammunition is for example rockets or missiles as seen in the state of the art.

[0032] Of course, other means can be integrated into such a system as mentioned previously.

[0033] In the system according to the invention, the basket-shaped means 5 comprise, for example, at least one removable and replaceable main basket, this main basket being adapted to receive at least one removable and replaceable secondary basket for receiving ammunition.

[0034] This is illustrated for example in Figures 3 to 6.

[0035] In these figures 3 to 6, we find the system 1, the base means 2, the frame-shaped means 3, the means forming a reception box 4 and the basket-shaped means 5.

[0036] In the system according to the invention, the basket-shaped means comprise at least one removable and replaceable main basket, designated for example by the general reference 6 in these figures.

[0037] This main basket is adapted to receive at least one removable and replaceable secondary basket, for receiving ammunition, such a removable and replaceable secondary basket being designated for example by the general reference 7 in these figures 3 to 6.

[0038] As illustrated, the main basket can be adapted to receive several secondary baskets. In fact, in the system according to the invention the box-forming means are movable into a substantially vertical position, for loading / unloading the basket-forming means for receiving the ammunition.

[0039] As illustrated in these figures, it is then possible, once the box-shaped means are in this substantially vertical position, to use lifting means to ensure handling, that is to say loading and / or unloading, in particular of the removable and replaceable main basket 6, in an extremely simple and rapid manner.

[0040] This also allows, once the box-forming means are in this position, to ensure extremely simple and rapid handling of the secondary baskets 7.

[0041] Handling equipment is, for example, conventional lifting equipment such as a crane or other.

[0042] The basket-shaped means then include means such as corresponding handling hooks allowing their loading / unloading by lifting means.

[0043] This then makes it possible to ensure very simple adaptation of the system according to the invention to the needs of an operational mission, for example.

[0044] For example, it is entirely possible to consider mixing different munitions in a system according to the invention using missiles and rockets.

[0045] Of course, other means such as sensors or means of observing the environment can also be considered.

[0046] The system and the basket-shaped means then include guiding means such as rails or others.

[0047] Means of locking in position and means of interfacing between the baskets and the rest of the system are of course envisaged.

[0048] In Figure 7, it can also be seen that the system according to the invention comprises different inspection and / or maintenance hatches, of which, for example, two, designated by the general references 8 and 9, are illustrated.

[0049] In Figures 8 and 9, it is illustrated that the rear end of the box-forming means also comprises deflector-forming means, movable between a closed position and an open position.

[0050] In Figures 8 and 9, these deflector-forming means are for example designated by the general reference 10 and are therefore movable between a closed position illustrated in Figure 8 and an open position illustrated in Figure 9. Of course, other arrangements and other means can be envisaged.

[0051] It is therefore clear that such a system presents a certain number of advantages in terms of its modularity and versatility while allowing extremely simple and rapid maintenance and adaptability while being safer for operators because it secures the handling of ammunition.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Modular and versatile system for multiple launches, in particular of munitions such as rockets or missiles, of the type comprising means (2) forming a base saddle adapted to receive means (3) forming a support frame for means (4) forming a receiving box for means (5, 6) in the form of a replaceable basket for receiving munitions, characterized in that the basket-shaped means comprise at least one removable and replaceable main basket (6), adapted to receive at least one removable and replaceable secondary basket (7), for receiving munitions.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means forming a box are movable into a substantially vertical position, for loading / unloading the means (5) forming a basket for receiving the ammunition.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear end of the means (4) forming a box comprises means forming a deflector, movable between a closed position and an open position.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises hatches (8, 9) for inspection and / or maintenance.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basket-shaped means (5) comprise handling hooks allowing their loading / unloading.

6. Naval platform comprising at least one system according to any one of the preceding claims.

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