System for launching a projectile pneumatically

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (14) for launching a projectile (12) pneumatically, comprising a launch module (20) comprising: a tube (30) that extends along a main axis (A-A); a piston that comprises a rod and a piston head and is able to move in translation along the main axis (A-A) relative to the tube (30); and a damping ring. The launch module is movable between a rest position, a launch position and a braked position. The system comprises: a connection interface (22) capable of being connected to the projectile (12); and a pressure module (24) capable of delivering pressurized air so as to cause the launch module (20) to switch from its rest position to its launch position.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Pneumatic Projectile Launching System

[0002] The present invention relates to a pneumatic projectile launching system, such as a munition, in particular a remotely operated munition (ROM), or a drone for example.

[0003] Many launch systems are already known for launching projectiles, such as remotely operated munitions or drones.

[0004] There are, in particular, systems composed of a launching tube, for example pyrotechnic or pneumatic.

[0005] These tubes are not entirely satisfactory in that they are generally single-use and have a significant mass.

[0006] Furthermore, such tubes require a significant unit and development cost and also necessitate joint development of the projectile specifically adapted for such a launch.

[0007] To solve this problem of cost and non-reusability of the tube system, it is known to use a system including a catapult.

[0008] However, such a system with a catapult is very bulky and not easy to deploy in the field.

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of existing systems and in particular to offer a simple and economical projectile launching system that is also compact and reusable.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a pneumatic projectile launching system.

[0011] The system includes a launch module comprising:

[0012] - a tube extending along a main axis between a first end and a second end,

[0013] - a piston comprising a rod extending along the main axis between a first end and a second end, and a piston head fixed to the first end of the rod, the piston being movable in translation along the main axis relative to the tube, and

[0014] - a damping ring.

[0015] The launch module is mobile between three positions:

[0016] i. a rest position, in which the piston head is close to the first end of the tube, ii. a launching position, in which the piston head is close to the second end of the tube, and

[0017] iii. a braked position, in which the piston head is held out of the tube by the damping ring.

[0018] The system also includes:

[0019] - a connection interface fixed to the second end of the piston rod and suitable for connection to the projectile and

[0020] - a pressure module comprising a main reservoir connected to the tube of the launch module and capable of delivering pressurized air at the first end of the tube so as to move the launch module from its rest position to its launch position.

[0021] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the launching system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0022] - The damping ring comprises a cylindrical housing extending along the main axis between a first closed end and a second closed end, and an annular wall dividing the cylindrical housing into a first portion and a second portion,

[0023] the annular wall being fixed around the second end of the tube,

[0024] the cylindrical housing being movable in translation along the main axis relative to the tube between an initial position and a holding position, in which the first portion is shorter than in the initial position,

[0025] the cylindrical housing being in the initial position in the rest and launch positions of the launch module and in the holding position in the braked position of the launch module.

[0026] - The damping ring includes at least one stud extending into the first portion of the cylindrical housing and configured to deform when the cylindrical housing moves from its initial position to its holding position.

[0027] - At least one block contains urethane.

[0028] - The cylindrical housing includes a plurality of air evacuation ports during the passage of the cylindrical housing from the initial position to the holding position.

[0029] - The connection interface is configured so as to release the projectile when the launch module moves from the launch position to the braked position.

[0030] - The pressure module includes a valve connected between the main tank and the tube of the launch module.- The system also includes a support configured to fix the system to a floor so that the main axis forms a non-zero angle with the floor.

[0031] - The pressure module includes a secondary tank and pneumatic components connected between the main tank and the secondary tank and configured to fill the main tank.

[0032] - The air pressure delivered at the first end of the tube is between 100 bar and 200 bar, and more specifically between 120 bar and 170 bar.

[0033] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly comprising a launching system according to the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the launch system of Figure 1, the launch system comprising a launch module and a pressure module;

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the different positions of the launch module shown in Figure 2; and

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic of the pressure module of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an assembly 10 comprising a projectile 12 and a pneumatic launching system 14, specifically intended to launch the projectile 12.

[0039] Projectile 12 is for example a munition, and in particular a remotely operated munition (ROM) as illustrated, or a drone.

[0040] More specifically, the projectile 12 includes, for example, a body 16 and, in particular, wings 18.

[0041] For example, projectile 12 has a length between 40 cm and 100 cm. Projectile 12 has a weight between 2 kg and 8 kg, and more precisely between 3 kg and 6 kg.

[0042] The launch system 14 includes a launch module 20, a connection interface 22 and a pressure module 24.

[0043] Preferably, the launch system 14 further includes a support 26. Optionally, the launch system 14 also includes a control module 28. When in use, the launch system 14 is arranged in particular on the ground 25, as can be seen in Figure 2.

[0044] As can be seen in Figure 3, the launch module 20 comprises a tube 30, a piston 32 and a damping ring 34.

[0045] The tube 30 extends along a main axis AA between a first end 30A and a second end 30B.

[0046] When using the launch system 14, the main axis AA forms in particular a non-zero angle α with the ground 25, as can be seen in Figure 2.

[0047] The angle a, for example, is between 15° and 50°, and in particular between 30° and 45°. More precisely, tube 30 is cylindrical in shape, in particular with an annular cross-section.

[0048] More specifically, tube 30 is open at each of its two ends 30A, 30B.

[0049] For example, tube 30 has an internal diameter between 10 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm.

[0050] Tube 30, for example, has a length between 500 mm and 1000 mm.

[0051] Tube 30, for example, is made of a metallic material, specifically aluminum.

[0052] In particular, the tube 30 defines a receiving chamber 31, in particular cylindrical and extending along the main axis AA, in particular intended to receive air from the pressure module 24.

[0053] The piston 32 comprises a rod 36 and a piston head 38.

[0054] The rod 36 extends along the main axis AA between a first end 36A and a second end 36B.

[0055] Rod 36, for example, is cylindrical in shape, specifically with a circular cross-section.

[0056] For example, the rod 36 has a diameter smaller than that of the tube 30, and in particular between 5 mm and 40 mm, and preferably between 11 mm and 26 mm.

[0057] For example, rod 36 has a length greater than that of tube 30, and in particular between 400 mm and 1200 mm, and preferably between 550 mm and 1050 mm.

[0058] The rod 36 is for example made of a metallic material, in particular steel. The piston head 38 is fixed to the first end 36A of the rod 36.

[0059] The piston head 38 is for example cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section and a diameter slightly smaller than the internal diameter of the tube 30, and in particular between the diameter of the rod 36 and the internal diameter of the tube 30.

[0060] The piston 32 is mobile in translation along the main axis AA relative to the tube 30, in particular between a first extreme position, an intermediate position and a second extreme position, as can be seen in particular in Figure 3.

[0061] In the first extreme position, visible in Figure 3A, the piston head 38 is close to the first end 30A of the tube 30.

[0062] Advantageously, in this first extreme position, the piston head 38 closes the first end 30A of the tube 30.

[0063] For example, in this first extreme position, the rod 36 of the piston 32 extends almost entirely into the tube 30, in particular with the exception of its second end 36B.

[0064] In particular, in this first extreme position, the receiving chamber 31 defined in the tube 30 has a minimal or zero volume.

[0065] In the intermediate position, visible in Figures 3B and 3E, the piston head 38 is close to the second end 30B of the tube 30.

[0066] Advantageously, in this intermediate position, the piston head 38 closes the second end 30B of the tube 30.

[0067] For example, in this intermediate position, the rod 36 of the piston 32 extends completely out of the tube 30.

[0068] In particular, in this intermediate position, the receiving chamber 31 defined in the tube 30 has a maximum available volume to receive a fluid, in particular air, from the pressure module 24.

[0069] In the second extreme position, visible in Figure 3D, the piston head 38 is outside the tube 30.

[0070] Preferably, the damping ring 34 comprises a cylindrical housing 40 and an annular wall 42.

[0071] As can be seen in the Figures, the cylindrical housing 40 extends for example along the main axis AA between a first closed end 40A and a second closed end 40B.

[0072] More specifically, the cylindrical housing 40 has an annular cross-section. In particular, the cylindrical housing 40 extends at least partially around a part of the tube 30, and especially around its second end 30B.

[0073] The first end 40A of the cylindrical housing 40 is in particular an annular wall, in particular through which the tube 30 passes, advantageously in a sealed manner.

[0074] The second end 40B of the cylindrical housing 40 is in particular an annular wall, in particular through which the rod 36 of the piston 32 passes, advantageously in a sealed manner.

[0075] The cylindrical housing 40, for example, is made of a metallic material, specifically aluminum.

[0076] As can be seen in the Figures, the cylindrical housing 40 advantageously also includes a plurality of drainage ports 41.

[0077] In particular, the drainage openings 41 are provided on the peripheral wall of the cylindrical housing 40.

[0078] The drainage openings 41, for example, have a circular or polygonal shape, for example hexagonal.

[0079] The annular wall 42 advantageously divides the cylindrical housing 40 into a first portion 40-1 extending from the first end 40A to the annular wall 42 and a second portion 40-2 extending from the annular wall 42 to the second end 40B.

[0080] In particular, the annular wall 42 is fixed around the second end 30B of the tube 30.

[0081] Advantageously, the damping ring 34 further comprises at least one stud 44 extending into the first portion 40-1 of the cylindrical housing 40 and configured to deform, in particular capable of being compressed.

[0082] The plot 44 extends in particular between the first end 40A and the annular wall 42, and in particular completely fills the volume of the first portion 40-1.

[0083] Preferably, the stud 44 is cylindrical in shape with an annular cross-section and extends around a portion of the tube 30, as can be seen in Figure 3.

[0084] Advantageously, the stud 44 is made of a material containing urethane. Advantageously, the damping ring 34 further comprises a muzzle brake 46, notably extending into the second portion 40-2 of the cylindrical housing 40.

[0085] As can be seen in Figure 3, the cylindrical housing 40 is mobile in translation along the main axis AA relative to the tube 30, in particular between an initial position and a holding position.

[0086] For example, the cylindrical housing 40 is mobile in translation on the tube 30. In particular, during the mobility of the cylindrical housing 40, the annular wall 42 remains fixed.

[0087] In the initial position visible in Figures 3A, 3B and 3E, the second portion 40-2 of the cylindrical housing 40 has a minimal volume, and in particular almost zero.

[0088] In this initial position, plot(s) 44 are notably in their extended position.

[0089] In the initial position, the cylindrical housing 40 is advantageously hermetically sealed.

[0090] In the holding position visible in Figure 3D, the first portion 40-1 is shorter than in the initial position.

[0091] In particular, in this holding position, the stud(s) 44 are compressed. More precisely, in this holding position, the second portion 40-2 of the cylindrical housing 40 has a non-zero volume.

[0092] In the holding position, the cylindrical housing 40 is advantageously not closed.

[0093] In particular, in this holding position, the evacuation openings 41 are in the second portion 40-2 of the cylindrical housing 40, and allow evacuation of air present from the second portion 40-2 to the outside.

[0094] According to the invention, the launch module 20 is mobile between at least three positions, as can be seen in Figure 3, including a rest position (Figure 3-A), a launch position (Figure 3-B) and a braked position (Figure 3-D).

[0095] In the rest position visible in Figure 3A, the piston head 36 is close to the first end 30A of the tube 30.

[0096] More precisely, in this rest position, piston 32 is in its first extreme position.

[0097] In particular, in this rest position, the damping ring 34 is in its initial position.

[0098] In the launch position visible in Figure 3B, the piston head 36 is close to the second end 30B of the tube 30.

[0099] More precisely, in this launch position, piston 32 is in its intermediate position.

[0100] In particular, in this launch position, the receiving chamber 31 of the tube 30 has a maximum volume suitable for being filled by air from the pressure module 24. In particular, in this launch position, the damping ring 34 is in its initial position, in particular hermetically closed, in particular so as to close the receiving chamber 31 of the tube 30 as can be seen in Figure 3-B.

[0101] In the braked position visible in Figure 3D, the piston head 38 is held out of the tube 30 by the damping ring 34.

[0102] In the braked position, piston 32 is notably in its second extreme position.

[0103] In particular, in this braked position, the damping ring 34 is in its holding position.

[0104] In particular, in this braked position, the head of the piston 38 extends into the cylindrical housing 40, and in particular into the second portion 40-2 thereof, and is held against the second end 40B of the cylindrical housing 40.

[0105] In the braked position, the receiving chamber 31 of the tube 30 is in fluidic communication with the outside, in particular through its second end 30B opening into the second portion 40-2 and through the evacuation ports 41.

[0106] The connection interface 22 is fixed to the second end 36B of the rod 36 of the piston 32 and suitable for connection to the projectile 12.

[0107] Preferably, the connection interface 22 is configured so as to release the projectile 12 when the launch module 20 moves from the launch position to the braked position.

[0108] The connection interface 22 includes, for example, a body 48 and an attachment system 50.

[0109] Body 48, for example, is configured to hold projectile 12 before launch.

[0110] Body 48, for example, is configured to hold a 12-gauge projectile or a specific 12-gauge projectile size.

[0111] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the body 48 of the connection interface 22 has, for example, a U-shape.

[0112] Body 48, for example, is a single piece.

[0113] For example, body 48 consists of a piece made of a composite material comprising carbon and epoxy resin or of a metallic material, such as aluminium for example.

[0114] The attachment system 50 is configured to allow the release of the projectile 12 when the launch module 20 moves from the launch position to the braked position. For example, the attachment system 50 includes a rod configured to retract when the launch module 20 moves from the launch position to the braked position.

[0115] For example, the connection interface 22, and in particular the body 48, is fixed to the second end 36B of the rod 36 by a removable fixing, such as a ball pin for example, so as to facilitate its replacement.

[0116] The pressure module 24 includes a main tank 52 connected to the tube 30 of the launch module 20.

[0117] The main reservoir 52 is capable of delivering pressurized air at the first end 30A of the tube 30 so as to move the launch module 20 from its rest position to its launch position.

[0118] More specifically, the main reservoir 52 is fluidly connected to the first end 30A of the tube 30 and is designed to deliver pressurized air at the first end 30A of the tube 30, so as to push the piston head 38 and thus drive the mobility of the launch module 20 from its rest position to its launch position.

[0119] The air pressure delivered at the first end 30A of the tube 30 is for example between 100 bar and 200 bar, and more particularly between 120 bar and 170 bar.

[0120] The main tank 52 is, for example, a bottle designed to hold air at a pressure between 100 bar and 200 bar.

[0121] Advantageously, the pressure module 24 does not include a pressure regulator between the main tank 52 and the tube 30, in particular to maintain a sufficient distribution flow rate.

[0122] The pressure module 24 includes, for example, a cylinder head 54, notably made of aluminum, and more specifically closing the first end 30A of the tube 30 while defining an air inlet specifically connected to the main reservoir 52.

[0123] Preferably, the cylinder head 54 also includes an emergency purge 55 configured to purge the tube 30, and in particular its receiving chamber 31.

[0124] Advantageously, as can be seen in Figure 4, the pressure module 24 includes a valve 56, which is notably a solenoid valve, arranged between the main tank 52 and the tube 30.

[0125] Advantageously, the valve 56 is configured so that its opening causes the distribution of air from the main tank 52 to the tube 30. Advantageously, the pressure module 24 further includes a secondary tank 58 and pneumatic components 60, 62, 64, 66 connected between the main tank 52 and the secondary tank 58 and configured to fill the main tank 52.

[0126] For example, the secondary tank 58 has a larger volume than the main tank 52.

[0127] The secondary tank 58 is, for example, a bottle containing air at a pressure between 180 bar and 250 bar, and in particular approximately equal to 200 bar.

[0128] As can be seen in Figure 4, the pneumatic components preferably include a purge 60 and / or at least one pressure gauge 62-1, 62-2 and / or at least one safety disc 64 and / or a regulator 66.

[0129] The purge 60 is configured for example to drain the main tank 52, and is preferably connected directly to the main tank 52.

[0130] Preferably, the pneumatic components include a first pressure gauge 62-1 configured to measure the pressure in the main tank 52.

[0131] Advantageously, the pneumatic components also include a second pressure gauge 62-2 configured to measure the pressure in the secondary tank 58.

[0132] Preferably, the pneumatic components include two safety discs 64, in particular one for each tank 52, 58, configured to break in the event of an incident, and in particular in the event of excessive pressure in the corresponding tank 52, 58.

[0133] Optionally, the regulator 66 allows controlled filling of the main tank 52 by the secondary tank 58, in particular by an expansion of the air from the secondary tank 58.

[0134] Alternatively, the pressure module 24 does not include a secondary reservoir 58. According to this alternative, the main reservoir 52 is preferably a tappable bottle, so that it can be easily replaced.

[0135] The support 26 is configured to fix the launch system 14 on the ground 25, in particular so that the main axis AA forms the non-zero angle α with the ground 25, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2.

[0136] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the support 26 includes, for example, two feet 68 and an anchoring element 70.

[0137] Each of the two feet 68 is for example fixed to the launch module 20, and in particular to the second end 30B of the tube 30.Each of the two feet 68 is preferably foldable along the tube 30, in order to facilitate the transport of the launch system 14.

[0138] Each foot 68 preferably includes a stud 72 at its lower end, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2.

[0139] Preferably, each of the two 68 feet is height adjustable, in particular to adjust the angle a and / or compensate for the slope of the ground.

[0140] Each 68 foot, for example, is made of carbon.

[0141] The anchoring element 70 is for example fixed at the first end 30A of the tube 30, and in particular to the cylinder head 54 of the pressure module 24.

[0142] Anchoring element 70, for example, is made of aluminum.

[0143] The control module 28 is preferably adapted to control the operation of the launch system 14.

[0144] Advantageously, the control module 28 is configured to trigger the launch of the projectile 12 by the launch system 14.

[0145] In particular, the control module 28 is capable of controlling the opening of the valve 56 of the pressure module 24.

[0146] The control module 28 is, for example, a box, notably in wired or wireless connection with the valve 56.

[0147] Advantageously, the command module 28 is also configured to acquire launch data and / or manage additional security modules of the launch system 14.

[0148] An example of a method for using assembly 10 as described above will now be described.

[0149] More specifically, an example of a method for launching projectile 12 using launching system 14 will now be described.

[0150] Initially, a set of 10 is provided.

[0151] The launch system 14 is initially in a transport configuration, in particular with the feet 68 of the support 26 in the folded position and / or the connection interface 22 not fixed on the rod 36.

[0152] The launch system 14 is thus, for example, first installed on the ground 25, and in particular by unfolding the feet 68.

[0153] More specifically, the launch system 14 is fixed to the ground 25 preferably by the support 26, in particular so that the main axis AA forms a predetermined angle α with the ground 25, as can be seen in particular in Figure 2. The connection interface 22 is then preferably fixed to the second end 36B of the rod 36, for example by the ball pin.

[0154] The launch module 20 is advantageously in its rest position illustrated in Figure 3A.

[0155] Preferably, the main tank 52 is filled with pressurized air, in particular with a pressure between 100 bar and 200 bar.

[0156] Valve 56 of pressure module 24 is closed, so as to block the distribution of air between the main tank 52 and the tube 30.

[0157] The projectile 12 is then advantageously connected to the connection interface 22, in particular by the attachment system 50.

[0158] Next, in a second step, the valve 56 of the pressure module 24 is opened, for example following a command from the control module 28.

[0159] The opening of the valve 56 thus results in a distribution of pressurized air from the main reservoir 52 to the tube 30, in particular to the first end 30A of the tube 30.

[0160] The distributed air flows through the tube 30 along the main axis AA in a first direction. This first direction is oriented from the first end 30A to the second end 30B of the tube 30.

[0161] For example, pressurized air pushes the piston head 38 in the first direction, so as to move the piston 32 into its intermediate position, and therefore the launch module 20 into its launch position.

[0162] More specifically, the rod 36 of the piston 32, and therefore the connection interface 22 and the projectile 12, are thus also pushed and moved in the first direction, in particular at a speed between 15 m / s and 35 m / s.

[0163] More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 3B, the pressurized air enters the receiving chamber 31, which has a maximum volume in this position and in particular occupies almost the entire internal volume of the tube 30.

[0164] Subsequently, as can be seen in Figure 3C, the pressurized air flowing in the first direction and having filled the receiving chamber 31 pushes the second end 40B of the cylindrical housing, thus causing a mobility of the cylindrical housing 40 in the first direction.

[0165] In particular, the air thus becomes lodged in the second portion 40-2 of the cylindrical housing 40, notably by compressing the stud 44. This leads to a braking of the movement of the rod 36, which remains maintained by the cooperation between the piston head 34 and the damping ring 34. The braking causes, for example, a mechanical release of the projectile 12, notably by the attachment system 50, as can be seen in Figure 3C.

[0166] More specifically, projectile 12 is thus launched at a speed, for example, between 15 m / s and 35 m / s.

[0167] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 3C, during this step, the air is preferably evacuated, in particular through the evacuation ports 41.

[0168] Advantageously, valve 56 is then closed, for example automatically following detection of the launch by control module 28.

[0169] As can be seen in Figure 3D, the launch module 20 then moves into its braked position, specifically until the air is completely emptied.

[0170] Subsequently, as can be seen in Figure 3E, the damping ring 34 returns to its initial position.

[0171] More specifically, plot 44 returns to its relaxed position.

[0172] Preferably, the piston 32 is then returned to its rest position, in particular by pushing it, for example manually, in the tube 30 towards the first end 30A.

[0173] The launch module 20 is thus advantageously back in its resting position and can be reused to launch another projectile 12.

[0174] Optionally, the main tank 52 is also filled from the secondary tank 58, in particular via the pneumatic components 60, 62-1, 62-2, 64, 66.

[0175] Such a launch system 14 is particularly advantageous.

[0176] In particular, as explained above, the launch system 14 is easily reusable, notably thanks to the three positions of the launch module 20.

[0177] Moreover, this launch system 14 is robust and reliable, in particular due to the architecture of the pressure module 24 and the launch module 20.

[0178] For example, the 14 launch system allows for more than 50 shots to be launched, without requiring maintenance operations.

[0179] Moreover, due to its simple design without complex systems, the launch system 14 is suitable for different types of terrain and conditions, for example at temperatures between -20 °C and + 40 °C.

[0180] In addition, this launch system 14 is simple and compact.

[0181] Furthermore, the ability to switch this launch system 14 to a transport configuration further enhances its compactness. In addition, as explained above, this launch system 14 is easy to deploy in the field, and particularly stable thanks to the support 26.

[0182] Moreover, this launch system 14 is modular, in that it can easily be adapted to different types or sizes of projectiles 12, for example by changing only the connection interface 22.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A pneumatic projectile launching system (14), the system (14) comprising: a launch module (20) comprising: o a tube (30) extending along a main axis (AA) between a first end (30A) and a second end (30B), o a piston (32) comprising a rod (36) extending along the main axis (AA) between a first end (36A) and a second end (36B) and a piston head (38) fixed to the first end (36A) of the rod (36), the piston (32) being movable in translation along the main axis (AA) relative to the tube (30), and o a damping ring (34), the launch module (20) being mobile between three positions: i. a rest position, in which the piston head (38) is close to the first end (30A) of the tube (30), ii. a launching position, in which the piston head (38) is close to the second end (30B) of the tube (30), and iii. a braked position, in which the piston head (38) is held out of the tube (30) by the damping ring (34); the system (14) comprising, in addition: a connection interface (22) fixed to the second end (36B) of the piston rod (36) (32) and suitable for connection to the projectile (12), and a pressure module (24) comprising a main reservoir (52) connected to the tube (30) of the launch module (20) and capable of delivering pressurized air at the first end (30A) of the tube (30) so as to move the launch module (20) from its rest position to its launch position.

2. System (14) according to claim 1, wherein the damping ring (34) comprises a cylindrical housing (40) extending along the main axis (AA) between a first closed end (40A) and a second closed end (40B) and an annular wall (42) dividing the cylindrical housing (40) into a first portion (40-1) and a second portion (40-2), the annular wall (42) being fixed around the second end (30B) of the tube (30), the cylindrical housing (40) being movable in translation along the main axis (AA) relative to the tube (30) between an initial position and a holding position, in which the first portion (40-1) is shorter than in the initial position, the cylindrical housing (40-1) being in the initial position in the rest and launch positions of the launch module (20) and in the holding position in the braked position of the launch module (20).

3. System (14) according to claim 2, wherein the damping ring (34) comprises at least one stud (44) extending in the first portion (40-1) of the cylindrical housing (40) and configured to deform when the cylindrical housing (40) passes from its initial position to its holding position.

4. System (14) according to claim 3, wherein at least one pad (44) comprises urethane.

5. System (14) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cylindrical housing (40) comprises a plurality of orifices (41) for venting air during the passage of the cylindrical housing (40) from the initial position to the holding position.

6. System (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connection interface (22) is configured so as to release the projectile (12) when the launch module (20) passes from the launch position to the braked position.

7. System (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pressure module (24) includes a valve (56) connected between the main tank (52) and the tube (30) of the launch module (20).

8. System (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a support (26) configured to fix the system (14) on a floor (25) so that the main axis (AA) forms a non-zero angle (a) with the floor (25).

9. System (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure module (24) comprises a secondary tank (58) and pneumatic components (60, 62-1, 62-2, 64, 66) connected between the main tank (52) and the secondary tank (58) and configured to fill the main tank (52).17 10. System (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air pressure delivered at the first end (30A) of the tube (30) is between 100 bar and 200 bar, and more particularly between 120 bar and 170 bar.

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