Modular construction components for a missile launcher and missile launcher made from same

Abstract

Modular components which can be used to construct missile launchers and the resultant launchers. The launchers are based on a single cradle construction which allows for the components to be placed in an increased variety of configurations. Due to the modular parts, the upgraded launchers also allow parts of their cores to be replaced should they become broken.

Description

Modular Construction Components for a Missile Launcher and Missile Launcher Made from SameCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent ApplicationNumber 63 / 631,613, filed on April 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of missile launchers and particularly to cradle structures into which are placed tubed missiles to be connected to targeting and firing systems. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Produced since 1970. the TOW ("Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided") missile is one of the most utilized guided anti-tank missiles in the world. The concept of the weapon is relatively straight-forward. The missile is mounted inside a dedicated launch tube which is aimed at the target. Aiming is typically accomplished by a human operator utilizing a Target Acquisition System (TAS) which provides some form of a visual sight either relying on daylight or infrared (IR) night-vision. When triggered, the missile leaves the launch tube and is propelled toward the target. Originally, the missile would trail guiding wires through which communication information could be sent from the launcher to the missile. More modem versions, however, can now use wireless signals in the same way.

[0004] An infrared (IR) beacon in the missile's tail is located by the TAS and provided to a Flight Control Subsystem (FCS) which allows the location of the missile to be tracked during flight and that allows for the flight to be adjusted based on the position of the reticle in the aiming system. The reticle is maintained on the target during the missile's flight by the operator and this steers the missile. Feedback between the operator’s positioning of the reticle and the detected position of the missile is transmitted via the wires or wireless connection to flight surfaces of the missile to allow it to be directed into the target identified by the reticle positioning. Specifically, that it will impact the point indicated by the operator as the target.

[0005] TOW missiles are very versatile with one of the key aspects of their value and pervasiveness being their ability to be launched from a variety of platforms and cany' a variety of w arheads. These include where the missile is launched by infantry from a modular tripod mount that breaks down into a number of components, to use on secondary mounts for vehicles, to useon dedicated armored vehicles designed to utilize TOW missiles as their primary armament. While these systems all ultimately utilize the same missiles, it is important to recognize that their support systems and missile launchers are often quite different.

[0006] In a vehicle mount, the operator will typically want to be inside the vehicle so as to be protected by its armor (under armor) as this is. in many respects, the point of utilizing an armored vehicle at all. This separates the operator (as well as any others using the vehicle) from the missile itself. This is positive from a defensive point-of-view, but can result in problems related to the use of a missile.

[0007] Part of the flexibility of TOW missiles is that they are typically provided in a tube or other container prior to use. This tube is then designed to be placed within a launcher assembly which includes all the electronics to aim, fire, and guide the missile during flight. Because the missile comes pre-packaged in the tube, interconnection of the launcher with the tube can utilize generally common electrical interconnection components and the human interface elements of the TOW operation (e.g. the aiming using the reticle) are similar regardless of missile type. In effect, the TOW missile tube makes the system somewhat modular and allows for an operator to use a first kind of missile from their launcher, eject the spent tube from the launcher, and install and fire an entirely different kind of TOW missile without substantially altering their interaction with the targeting and aiming. The tube also insures that elements specific to the missile are correctly packed and tested.

[0008] Because the TOW missile is provided in the tube, the launcher generally comprises what is essentially a cradle structure inside a housing to securely hold the tube. The launcher also will provide for an interface to the TAS used to control and fire the missile. In a vehicle system, the launcher may connect first to an Arming Control Unit (ACU) which acts to interconnect the missile to the TAS which is typically internal to the vehicle.

[0009] FIG. 1 provides an image of a prior art launcher assembly (100) for use on a vehicle such as a Bradley fighting vehicle. In FIG. 1, the launcher (100) has been removed from its exteriorhousing. This launcher ( 100) will typically be placed in a housing which is mounted on a turret or similar structure and may provide for various controls such as the ability to tilt or stow. As should be apparent from FIG. 1, the launcher assembly (100) comprises two cradles (101) and (102) which are used to support the missiles in their tubes. An ACU (200) is then attached in its own housing (201). This would be electrically interconnected to the TAS in the vehicle and electronically to the missile in their mounted tubes. Because the launcher (100) is used repeatedly for a large number of. effectively single shot, missile tubes, the cradles (101) and (102) of a launcher (100) were constructed as a single large single-piece aluminum sand-casting core (111) which is shown on its own in FIG. 2 to provide durability and reuse with multiple tubes.

[0010] Because the core (111) includes both cradles (101) and (102), the cradles (101) and (102) were formed as a single casting which fixed the arrangement of the cradles (101) and (102) in a parallel and horizontally co-planar side-by-side arrangement. This provided both some benefits and some problems. On the positive side, it meant that the side-by-side arrangement was ubiquitous. Thus, the core (111) in any one system was fully interchangeable with the core (111) in any other system. Further, a single boresight could effectively be used to sight in tubes in both cradles (101) and (102) because the tw o cradles (101) and (102) were in, and required to be in, a fixed position relative to each other. This fixed positioning also allowed for more mechanical or automated electrical interconnection between the ACU and the tubes as the core (111) can utilize a single seat plate (113) for mounting the ACU and allowing it to interact with both cradles (101) and (102). Finally, should larger launch systems, such as dedicated missile carrying vehicles, be desired multiple launchers (100) could simply be placed and used together with each operating in an identical fashion.

[0011] On the negative side, because the side-by-side arrangement of the two cradles (101) and (102) was necessary, the launcher (100) (and the housing which retained it) took up a fixed minimum amount of space in each dimension. This meant, for example, that if the launcher(100) was placed on the side of a turret, a relatively large space around the turret had to be kept clear to allow the launcher (100) to move freely through the turret’s rotational arc or the housing had to be mounted using additional electronics that allowed it to move in a manner not related to its effectiveness as a weapon system. Further, while the one-piece construction was rugged and survivable, the cast core (111) was not easily repairable as any damage to the core (111) required scrapping the entire core (111) in favor of another one. Further, as tubes may be provided singly or as paired, it could be necessary to store the tubes in a different arrangement than when they were actually used which could result in odd space constraints.Single, as opposed to double, tube launchers did exist but have traditionally been limited to systems which are directly fired by infantry, such as through a tripod mount or on a ring turret, where the user is exposed and (at least partially) outside the vehicle. In these cases, weight can be a major concern, as can maneuverability and space occupation. However, these systems also traditionally did away with other systems, such as the ACU. instead utilizing hand connection of the TAS to the tube and direct sighting to provide much simpler construction. However, in time sensitive situations or in hazardous conditions, manual arming and direct aiming could result in difficulty and danger. To deal with this, motorized ACUs (200) are common on vehicle mounted launchers. These assisted with the interconnection of missiles, improved consistency of the interconnection, and did not expose the operator outside the vehicle during arming. Motorized ACUs (200) also provided that the arming interconnection was more repeatable. Because of the ubiquitousness of the double launcher, however, existing motorized ACU systems (200) had a problem of being specifically designed to operate specifically on the existing dual cradle launchers (100).SUMMARY

[0012] The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0013] Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein are modular components which can be used to construct missile launchers and the resultant launchers. The launchers are based on a single cradle construction which allows for the components to be placed in an increased variety of configurations. Due to the modular parts, the upgraded launchers also allow parts of their cores to be replaced should they become broken.

[0014] Described herein, among other things, is a missile cradle for supporting a tube mounted missile, the cradle comprising: a center section including a single throughbore; a tube locking system connected to said center section for locking a tube mounted missile into said cradle; three main tube sections, each of said three main tube sections formed with: an open trough having a fin arranged toward a first end thereof, said fin extending over the open trough so as to create a circular opening at said first end; and retaining said open trough structure at an opposing second end; a forward end cap including a boresight opening on a side thereof; and a rear end cap supporting said tube locking system; wherein said three tube sections are arranged so that: a first of said three tube sections is connected to said center section at said first end so that said circular opening is aligned w ith said throughbore; said second end of a second of said three tube sections is connected to said second end of said first tube section; said first end of said second tube section is connected to said forw ard end cap; said first end of a third of said three tube sections is connected to said center section so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; and said second end of said third tube section is connected to a rear end cap which also has said open trough structure.

[0015] In an embodiment of the cradle, the boresight opening is arranged to a side of said trough.

[0016] There is also described herein, a missile launcher comprising: two missile cradles, each of said two cradles comprising: a center section including a single throughbore; a tube locking system connected to said center section for locking a tube mounted missile into said cradle; three main tube sections, each of said three main tube sections formed with: an open trough having a fin arranged toward a first end thereof, said fin extending over the open trough so as to create a circular opening at said first end; and retaining said open trough structure at an opposing second end; a forward end cap including a boresight opening on a side thereof; and a rear end cap supporting said tube locking system; wherein said three tube sections are arranged so that: a first of said three tube sections is connected to said center section at said first end so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; said second end of a second of said three tube sections is connected to said second end of said first tube section; said first end of said second tube section is connected to said forward end cap; said first end of a third of said three tube sections is connected to said center section so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; and said second end of said third tube section is connected to a rear end cap which also has said open trough structure; and a housing for each of said missile cradles; wherein, said two missile cradles are arranged vertically above each other and horizontally offset from each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a dual cradle launcher of the prior art.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of a core component of the dual cradle launcher ofFIG. 1

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a dual cradle launcher with modular construction.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the core of the dual cradle launcher of FIG. 3

[0022] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the dual cradle launcher of FIG. 3

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the dual cradle launcher of FIG. 3 with a typical Armament Control Unit (ACU) in place.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the dual cradle launcher of FIG. 6.

[0025] FIG. 8 shows a front perspective view of a single cradle launcher with modular construction.

[0026] FIG. 9 shows the single cradle launder of FIG. 8 with a Single Armament Control Unit(SACU)

[0027] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0028] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0029] FIG. 12 shows a left side view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0030] FIG. 13 shows a right side view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0031] FIG. 14 shows a top view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0032] FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8.

[0033] FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the single cradle launcher of FIG. 8, from the opposing side.

[0034] FIG. 17 shows a rear perspective view of a dual launcher comprised of two single cradle launchers mounted on a common support.

[0035] FIG. 18 shows a left side view of the dual launcher of FIG. 17.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0036] The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed systems and methods, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosures, it is intended that all matters contained in the description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0037] FIGS. 3 through 7 provide for depictions of what is termed herein an Upgraded TOW Missile Launcher (UTML) (300). The UTML (300) contains two side-by-side missile cradles (301) and (302) similar to the launcher (100). This is designed for a drop-in replacement to the launcher (100). FIGS. 8 through 16 provide for a Single-tube UTML (SUTML) (400) which improves on the two tube design of the UTML (300) by providing a smaller and lighter- weight single cradle (401) launcher (400) that can be utilized on platforms that cannot support the weight of a dual -tube UTML (300). The SUTML (400) also enables employment on platforms where there is not sufficient space or envelope for a side-by-side configuration, regardless of weight capacity or number of resultant missiles in the launcher.

[0038] When using an SUTML (400), a single SUTML (400) may be positioned alone or multiple SUTMLs (400) may be provided together to provide similar stowed missile capacity. In an embodiment, the SUTML (400) provides the flexibility' to use a side-by-side horizontally coplanar arrangement similar to the UTML (300), but also provides the flexibility' for an over- under missile configuration such as that shown in FIGS. 17-18. Further, the SUTML (400) allows for a near infinite variety of other configurations where the SUTMLs (400) may be linked together but not housed adjacent to each other in the same housing or are even able to operate totally independently of each other. This could include SUTMLs (400) mounted on opposite sides of a vehicle turret, for example, where this arrangement could operate as a traditionaldouble-cradle launcher with the cradles simply spaced or as two completely independent launchers. In a still further embodiment, it should be recognized that the singular nature of the SUTML (400) also allows for a different number of tubes to be used than just one or two. In a still further embodiment, a larger number of tubes may be provided including odd numbers of tubes which cannot be provided by UTMLs (300).

[0039] The SUTML (400) provides the capability to launch TOW missiles within a lighterweight and more-configurable launcher. Both the SUTML (400) and UTML (300) may utilize a lighter-weight multi-piece construction for the core which utilizes a sand-cast aluminum center section (323) or (423) with injection-moldable forward and aft main tube sections (325) made from chopped glass fiber reinforced engineering thermoplastic. These main tube sections (325) form the cradles (301), (302), and (401) in conjunction with the bores (321) or (421) through the center sections (323) or (423). The proximal and distal ends of the cradles (301), (302) and (401) are supported by end caps (355) and (365) or (455) and (465) which facilitate sighting and tube loading and ejection among other things.

[0040] The multi-piece construction of the UTML (300) and SUTML (400) improves maintainability as compared to the legacy launcher (100) design. The injection molded components can be easily replaced by unbolting a damaged component and swapping it with a replacement part. This could be potentially done at a depot or forward operating location, as compared to the legacy core (111) which was not repairable due to its single-piece cast construction.

[0041] While the main body parts (325) are generally similar between the UTML (300) and SUTML (400), it should be recognized that the UTML (300) and SUTML (400) have some different components in important ways. Specifically, as the UTML (300) provides for the two cradles to be built together (each of the component parts is still manufactured for two tubes to be side-by-side when assembled) certain pieces, therefore, will need to include a central spine component related to the interconnection between them to provide stability. In particular, thecenter housing (323) needs to include a center spine (332) between the cylindrical bores (321) so that the orientation of the cradles (301) and (302) relative to each other is rigidly maintained.While the main tube sections (325) are typically designed to only make a single cradle, a concern is that without a component which includes a portion of both cradles (301) and (302) and which has those components held rigidly to each other, the cradles (301) and (302) can flex relative to each other. Thus, inclusion of a center housing (323)with center spine (332) serves as a base for constructing the cradles (301) and (302) upon. The center housing (323) also provides for mounting of the ACU (200) and interaction of the safety pin of the ACU (200) to the handle (600) in the center spine (332) so the handle (600) can interact with both tubes at the same time.

[0042] In addition to the center section (323), the front end cap (355) includes a central opening (375) for mounting a boresight. The boresight in the central opening (375) sites in both cradles (301) and (302). As the cradles (301) and (302) are rigidly interconnected to each other, a single boresight can accurately be used to aim both.

[0043] The UTML (300), like the legacy system (100), therefore, requires a horizontally mounted side-by-side co-planar configuration of two TOW missiles. However, even in current Bradley fighting vehicle installments, this arrangement is not always desirable and the missile launcher (100) is typically stowed with one tube / cradle on top of the other, but when ready to engage a target the launcher (100) is rotated to be positioned horizontally with the tubes side-by- side. The nature of the legacy systems (100), thus, drives size and weight requirements, in respect to needed footprint for mounting the dual tube versions and weight requirements for an unnecessarily heavy TOW launcher system.

[0044] There exist scenarios where a dual tube configuration is not only not applicable but provides two TOW missiles where that quantity may not be needed to defend against or attack an adversary. Additionally, and as new military vehicle platforms are developed, the dual tube configuration, where the two tubes are attached in a side-by-side co-planar arrangement, or in fact any fixed arrangement, may not be conducive or cooperative for supplementary weaponsystems. Whereas a single tube launcher that would be capable of either single tube operation and installment, or dual tube operation and various mounting configuration capability would provide flexibility to currently fielded military vehicles that would like to add TOW missile capability or future platforms that have weapon requirements that would inhibit the installation of a UTML (300). In a still further embodiment, SUTML (400) cores could also be used as the basis of lighter weight and more modular infantry firing systems where a dual cradle UTML (300) system would be unwieldly.

[0045] Infantry have typically used the tripod mounted M220 TOW launcher. This is a single tube launcher which features a man-actuated TOW missile arming procedure and is paired with a daysight and thermal night sight attached to its structure. This M220 system has been configured for vehicle mounted use in the past and is typically mounted on a ring turret. This M220 system, however, requires a gunner to be positioned behind the attached sighting systems external to the vehicle and to fire and guide the missile during flight. This attribute does not address fully under armor applications or remote firing, because the sights are collocated and moved with the tube. Additionally, many current weaponized vehicles use a single sight apparatus to fire multiple different weapon systems. The Bradley fighting vehicle, for example, uses one sight unit to fire its guns as well as the TOW missiles, and contains projectile motion compensation for each type of projectile. For a case like this, the vehicle mounted single tube M220 system would not be applicable without major modification and custom hardware.

[0046] The SUTML (400) offers a comprehensive solution to all the problems and limitations described. The SUTML (400) as a single tube configuration of a TOW missile launcher, can sen e as a single tube only system, to satisfy size and weight requirements where the dual tube configurations cannot, as well as address the firepower tradeoff that is driven by conops of a vehicle platform. The SUTML also maintains compatibility with an electronic arming solution (e.g. an ACU), so that the TOW missiles can be armed without manual actuation, allowing for under armor installations and remote firing scenarios. Electronic arming capability may be acritical atribute in some situations to reduce the amount of exposure necessary for a warfighter and provides opportunities for many sight units and TOW missile launchers to be controlled remotely from a central command center either nearby or off location; a capability currently only provided with side-by-side dual tube configurations with substantially less flexibility.

[0047] The SUTML (400), thus, provides flexibility which allows the SUTML (400) to be configurable to more vehicle and stationary systems than ever before. Additionally, the SUTML (400) maintains a smaller mounting footprint than a dual cradle launcher, and when paired with an ACU designed to work with a single missile such as the SACU (500) discussed in United States Patent Application Serial No.: 18 / 625,997, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, can support two single launchers that can be mounted in various orientations or paterns to satisfy virtually any vehicle or platform requirements. Finally, reduced weight of the SUTML (400) and the ability to distribute the weight of multiple SUTMLs (400) in a manner different than when using dual launchers (100) can allow for TOW launchers to be installed on a much larger variety of vehicles. This can be particularly relevant to vehicles where weight is a major consideration such as smaller vehicles and aircraft, for example.

[0048] Previously, if a vehicle required two TOW launchers it would be subject to the side-by- side co-planar configuration profile’s requirements, but with the SUTML (400) the installations can support many packaging scenarios that could better utilize available space on a positioner, rather than the strict dual-tube side-by-side arrangement. As a simple example, multiple SUTMLs (400) can be arranged vertically on top of each other. Further, regardless of their relative main axis positioning (even in a side-by-side arrangement), launchers can be end offset with one tube set further back the other. In an extreme case, SUTMLs (400) could even be arranged out of line and / or plane with each other.

[0049] FIGS. 17 and 18 show an embodiment of a configuration of two SUTMLs (400) which are arranged into a double launcher (800) with a common support (550) which positions them vertically and with an end-to-end offset. As can be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, the double launcher(800) comprises the two SUTMLs (400) each of which is positioned on a support shelf (551) along with its associated SACU (500). The two support shelves (551) are connected by an interconnection plate (553) which includes a mounting ring (555) for connecting the support (550) to a vehicle or other mounting location. The double launcher (800) may then be included within a housing (not shown) to protect internal components and the tubes (when loaded). As can be best seen in FIG. 17, the SACUs (500) may be interconnected via cable (525) as contemplated in United States Patent Application Serial No.: 18 / 625,997 so that they act in a parent / child configuration.

[0050] The SUTML (400) or multiple SUTMLs (400) may be paired with a multiuse sight system and the sight system could be mounted separate from all the SUTMLs (400) to allow for an application specific configured package atop a positioner including other weapon systems or remote targeting systems, for example. This is as compared to the legacy single tube systems that required a sight unit collocated with the single tube for manual operation. In an embodiment, this multiuse system may be a legacy system such as that already in use on a Bradley fighting vehicle.

[0051] As contemplated above, the SUTML (400) utilizes a modular lighter- weight multipiece construction for the core which utilizes both a sand-cast aluminum center section (423) and injection- moldable forward and aft main tube sections (325) made from chopped glass fiber reinforced engineering thermoplastic. Each of the main tube sections (325) is formed of a trough section with a mounting fin extending upward and over the trough toward a single end thereof so as to form a circular opening at one end while retaining the open trough like structure at the other. As can be best seen in FIGS. 8 and 16, main tube sections (325) are used for both the forward and aft support areas with the main tube sections (325) being positioned in either a first orientation, or in a reversed orientation, based on where the mounting fins of the particular main tube section (325) are needed. Multiple main tube sections (325) may then be interconnected to add length away from other components.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in the FIGS., the front section may include two main tube sections (325) arranged to connect to each other via the trough ends and to the center section (423) and forward end cap (455) at the fin ends. The rear main tube section may connect to the center section (423) at the fin end and then the rear end cap (463) at the trough end. The rear end cap (463) will also typically be in the open trough shape to facilitate loading of the missile tube into the cradle from the rear. This reuse of parts through the inclusion of three main tube sections (325) reduces part counts and can provide cost-savings via a reduced number of unique components.

[0053] In order to provide for reinforcement and mounting of the tube locking system (700), the center section (423) of the SUTML (400) is designed to attach to a single set of main tube sections (425) (one cradle (401)) mounted to the center section (423). Because the SUTML(400) utilizes only a single cradle (401), it is generally preferred that it utilizes a single -tube arming control center or SACU (500) such as that described in United States Patent Application No.: 18 / 625,997 as referenced above.

[0054] Also on the SUTML (400) as opposed to the UTML (300), each forward end cap (455) will ty pically need to have a boresight. In the UTML (300) a common boresight is used for both tubes since the tubes are in fixed orientation. However, as the SUTML (400), even when used in pairs, has no such requirement of location, the tubes can be positioned in any position relative to each other. Thus, each SUTML (400) typically includes its own boresight opening (475) to insure that information is fed correctly back the TAS and the TAS can correctly aim all missiles. In the depicted embodiment, the boresight (475) is positioned on the right side of the cradle(401). This is by no means required, however, and the boresight (475) may be positioned in alternative positions. In an embodiment, the boresight (475) location may be positioned differently in different SUTMLs (400) forming a single weapon system. This can allow for potentially improved sighting ease or reliability. In the dual launcher (800) embodiment of FIGS17 and 18, each SUTML (400) includes its own boresight (475) which may be linked together, interconnected, or independent as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] At the distal end of the SUTML (400) is an aft end cap (465) which is designed to engage a single TOW missile tube and interface with the tube locking system (700) which is attached to the center section (423). The locking system (700) applies sufficient force onto the end (or elsewhere) of the missile tube as to not allow the tube to be dislodged when the missile (which is loaded from the rear) is fired. The SUTML (400) center section (423) serves to hinge the locking system (700) and also provides interface to a safety pin. As the SUTML (400) only has a single cradle (401), the locking system (700) only locks a single missile which is different from the UTML (300) system where the locking system (600) needs to lock two missile tubes. However, if the SUTML (400) includes interaction with the safety pin on the same side in each case, each attached SACU (500) can interface with each center section (423) individually. The safety pin interface prevents the missile tube from being removed when the missile is armed by mechanically stopping the locking system from disengaging. As can be seen in the dual launcher (800) embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, each SUTML (400) includes its own locking system (700) which can allow7for the two SUTMLs (400) to be loaded and unloaded independently of each other.

[0056] In the event that a SACU (500) is not available, a traditional ACU for a dual arrangement could be used, if necessary, on each SUTML (400). Such a traditional ACU will simply hang off the side of the center section (423) and the connectors (umbilical and interlock pin) for the “missing cradle” will simply not interact with anything. However, this can allow for an ACU of prior design to be used with the SUTML (400), effectively without modification, in certain circumstances and can provide for correct interfacing both with the expected position of the existing boresight and the safety pin.

[0057] The qualifier “generally,” and similar qualifiers as used in the present case, would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate recognizable attempts to conforma device to the qualified term, which may nevertheless fall short of doing so. This is because terms such as "perpendicular ' are purely geometric constructs and no real-world component or relationship is truly "perpendicular" in the geometric sense. Variations from geometric and mathematical descriptions are unavoidable due to. among other things, manufacturing tolerances resulting in shape variations, defects and imperfections, non-uniform thermal expansion, and natural wear. Moreover, there exists for every object a level of magnification at which geometric and mathematical descriptors fail due to the nature of matter. One of ordinary skill would thus understand the term "‘generally” and relationships contemplated herein regardless of the inclusion of such qualifiers to include a range of variations from the literal geometric meaning of the term in view of these and other considerations.

[0058] While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a description of certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments, the detailed description is intended to be illustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary7skill in the art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0059] It will further be understood that any of the ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any single component of the present disclosure can be used interchangeably with any ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any of the other components of the disclosure, where compatible, to form an embodiment having defined values for each of the components, as given herein throughout. Further, ranges provided for a genus or a category can also be applied to species within the genus or members of the category unless otherwise noted.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A missile cradle for supporting a tube mounted missile, the cradle comprising: a center section including a single throughbore; a tube locking system connected to said center section for locking a tube mounted missile into said cradle; three main tube sections, each of said three main tube sections formed with: an open trough having a fin arranged toward a first end thereof, said fin extending over the open trough so as to create a circular opening at said first end; and retaining said open trough structure at an opposing second end; a forward end cap including a boresight opening on a side thereof; and a rear end cap supporting said tube locking system; wherein said three tube sections are arranged so that: a first of said three tube sections is connected to said center section at said first end so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; said second end of a second of said three tube sections is connected to said second end of said first tube section; said first end of said second tube section is connected to said forward end cap; said first end of a third of said three tube sections is connected to said center section so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; and said second end of said third tube section is connected to a rear end cap which also has said open trough structure.

2. The cradle of claim 1 wherein said boresight opening is arranged to a side of said trough.

3. A missile launcher comprising: two missile cradles, each of said two cradles comprising:a center section including a single throughbore; a tube locking system connected to said center section for locking a tube mounted missile into said cradle; three main tube sections, each of said three main tube sections formed with: an open trough having a fin arranged toward a first end thereof, said fin extending over the open trough so as to create a circular opening at said first end; and retaining said open trough structure at an opposing second end; a forward end cap including a boresight opening on a side thereof; and a rear end cap supporting said tube locking system; wherein said three tube sections are arranged so that: a first of said three tube sections is connected to said center section at said first end so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; said second end of a second of said three tube sections is connected to said second end of said first tube section; said first end of said second tube section is connected to said forward end cap; said first end of a third of said three tube sections is connected to said center section so that said circular opening is aligned with said throughbore; and said second end of said third tube section is connected to a rear end cap which also has said open trough structure; and a housing for each of said missile cradles; wherein, said two missile cradles are arranged vertically above each other and horizontally offset from each other.

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